Maye Musk, the mother of Elon Musk, has made several trips to China, Kazakhstan, and the United Arab Emirates in the past six months. These visits come at a time when foreign leaders are vying for influence over the Trump administration. While Ms. Musk has long traveled the world for modeling, speaking, and promoting her memoir, her celebrity has become more significant now considering her son’s influence over billions of dollars in military spending and foreign aid. In late 2024, she visited China four times to endorse or model for seven brands. Her visits were promoted by state media outlets which in the past, have quoted her calling for improved ties between the United States and China. In October, she headlined a forum on women in Kazakhstan, and in January, she spoke at a government conference in Dubai. These trips raise the possibility that foreign governments could see her as a conduit to Mr. Musk, particularly given his support for Donald Trump’s campaign and his extensive business ties in China. The F.B.I typically scrutinizes foreign contacts of presidential advisers and their family members before granting security clearances. However, it is unclear whether Ms. Musk or her contacts have been vetted.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/02/world/asia/elon-maye-musk-world.html