The New York Times reports Elon Musk joined a phone call between Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid the Iran crisis. Officials say the discussion concerned Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz, but it is unclear why Musk was included or whether he spoke. The appearance echoes earlier instances during Trump’s transition when Musk joined multiple calls with foreign leaders, prompting criticism over the appropriateness of private citizens on sensitive diplomatic calls. The account has not been independently confirmed.
Elon Musk Reportedly Joined Trump–Modi Call on Iran Crisis — Why Was a Private Citizen on the Line?
US President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference with Elon Musk (L) in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on May 30, 2025. Musk, who stormed into US politics as President Trump's chainsaw-brandishing sidekick, announced on May 28 that he is leaving his role in US government, intended to reduce federal spending, shortly after his first major break with the President over Trump's signature spending bill. (Photo by Allison ROBBERT / AFP) (Photo by ALLISON ROBBERT/AFP via Getty Images)(Allison Robbert / AFP via Getty Images)
The New York Times reports that Elon Musk participated in a recent phone call between Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the conflict involving Iran entered its second month. According to the report, Musk's presence was unusual for a call between two national leaders amid a wartime crisis.
"Elon Musk participated in a phone call on Tuesday with President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, an unusual appearance by a private citizen on a call between two heads of state during a wartime crisis."
It is unclear why Musk was on the call or whether he spoke. American and Indian officials told reporters the discussion focused on the escalating crisis in the Middle East, particularly Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz — a strategic chokepoint for global oil and gas shipments.
No relevant parties have publicly explained Musk’s participation, and the account has not been independently confirmed. If accurate, the report could indicate that any previous rift between Trump and one of his major 2024 donors has eased.
Why This Matters
Allowing a private citizen to sit in on a sensitive diplomatic conversation raises questions about confidentiality, protocol and national security. Critics point out that similar private-citizen participation occurred repeatedly during Trump’s transition period. Reported examples include:
- Musk joining a conversation between Trump and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at Mar-a-Lago.
- Musk participating in a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- Musk being present when Trump spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron during the Notre-Dame reopening events in Paris.
- Musk taking part in a call with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The New Republic summed up critics' concerns, saying, "There is literally no rational justification for including the world’s richest man on a call between two national leaders during a global crisis." To date, the Trump team has not publicly offered a rationale for Musk’s inclusion on such calls.
Note: The report remains unverified by independent outlets and the principals declined to comment publicly as of publication.
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