The Pentagon taps Elon Musk and Palmer Luckey to help decide what the military should do next

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has initiated a 120-day strategic study focused on the future of warfare. The commission, tasked with advising the military on its technological trajectory, is led by high-profile figures including Elon Musk, Palmer Luckey, and Newt Gingrich. While the administration views these appointments as a logical step given the participants' expertise in defense-related innovation, the move has drawn scrutiny from critics. Concerns center on potential conflicts of interest, as both Musk’s and Luckey’s companies are major suppliers of the very technologies the study is expected to prioritize for future military procurement. The outcome of this study could significantly influence the Pentagon’s long-term investment strategy and the integration of private-sector advancements into national defense operations.