Republicans Say They’re Not Bothered by Elon Musk’s Close Ties to China

The head of DOGE has close links to China through his companies. But Republicans said they’re not worried about any conflict.

Elon Musk in China

Ding Ting/Xinhua via AP

In his quest to slash government spending, President Donald Trump has given Elon Musk unfettered — and unprecedented — access to federal agencies. And while Musk’s unique position may concern some GOP lawmakers, his deep ties to China are not.

“You know, business is business,” Sen. Tommy Tuberville told NOTUS. “Again, if President Trump trusts him, I trust him.”

Others in the Senate GOP agreed with Tuberville: Musk’s job is to cut government spending. Whatever ties he might have to a foreign adversary, that’s a problem for the future.