According to Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter, Musk, the world’s richest man and founder of Tesla, is still under investigation by the US government about national security concerns to find out whether the foreign investment partners who helped him complete the deal have access to user data, according to Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The source, who requested anonymity, said the U.S. government continues to seek information about Musk’s confidentiality agreements with foreign investors and whether those agreements allow investors to obtain the personal data of Twitter users.
Some of the foreign investors in Musk’s Twitter acquisition came from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, drawing criticism from some Democratic lawmakers in the United States.
Earlier this week, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said she saw no need for an investigation. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), part of the Treasury Department, reviews business transactions that pose potential national security risks.
Just days before Yellen made comments about the Twitter deal, President Biden said Musk’s business interests and relationships with foreign governments were worth examining.
Musk and Twitter did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Michael Gwen, a spokesman for the U.S. Treasury, said CFIUS does not comment on deals that may or may not be considered. However, he added that the committee is committed to protecting national security.
Bloomberg reported that two Democratic U.S. senators, Mark Warner of Virginia and Chris Murphy of Connecticut, called for tougher scrutiny of the Twitter acquisition, considering that new investors include Saudi billionaire Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal and Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund.
There have also been concerns that Musk’s Tesla electric car factory near Shanghai could give Beijing some influence.
Senator Murphy tweeted Tuesday after Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s comments, “I don’t understand this decision.” CFIUS was created to review deals like this. ”
It was also reported that Musk issued an ultimatum to Twitter employees this week: demand compliance with the company’s new “hardcore” work environment or leave. According to sources familiar with the matter, Musk was surprised that more employees refused to sign new job requirements, potentially damaging Twitter’s operations.
As many employees decided to resign, there was confusion about who should have the right to enter the company. According to a Twitter memo, Twitter closed offices and did not reopen until Monday. Musk tried to convince employees to stay and continue working before the deadline.
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