Could Elon Musk’s dreams of starting a space colony on Mars soon be up in smoke?
The Department of Defense is weighing whether to suspend or revoke the tech entrepreneur’s security clearance for his SpaceX private venture that launches spy satellites for the federal government following an incident last year where he smoked a marijuana cigarette during an appearance on a comedian’s podcast, FOX Business has learned.
Smoking pot is a prohibited activity for people who have federal government security clearances and have access to classified information. Musk gained such clearance because SpaceX has government contracts from the U.S. Air Force and other federal agencies to launch rockets and spy satellites into outer space. Musk has said the ultimate goal of SpaceX is to colonize Mars.
But Musk has clearly thrown his lofty ambitions into disarray thanks to his bizarre performance last September during a podcast hosted by comedian Joe Rogan, where he sipped whiskey, brandished a Samurai sword, and then took a long toke on a joint. As first reported by FOX Business, the government immediately began reviewing the matter with the U.S. Air Force launching an inquiry for possible violations of Musk’s security clearance that prohibits the use of illegal drugs.
Marijuana remains a prohibited substance, according to federal guidelines, even as some states have decriminalized pot usage.
FOX Business has now learned that the Air Force has since referred Musk’s case to the Defense Department for a formal inquiry, which will be completed in the coming weeks, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter. Musk has also resubmitted new paperwork with the federal government for a security clearance, suggesting he is updating information to reflect his marijuana use, government officials say.
Depending on the outcome of the investigation, Musk could have his clearance suspended or even revoked, these people say. The Defense Department is focused on whether the SpaceX CEO’s behavior “comports with the type of person who has access to classified information,” a Pentagon official tells FOX Business.
In the event Musk loses his security clearance, another SpaceX executive would need to apply for federal security clearance in order for the outfit to continue its government work. Musk could remain as CEO, a Pentagon official told FOX Business.
A spokeswoman at the Defense Department said in a statement: “For privacy and security reasons, we do not publicly discuss individual clearance status.”
Sources close to the matter believe the investigation will conclude in the next couple of weeks and the probe could also result in no sanctions against Musk, the official said. SpaceX did not immediately respond to a request for comment.