Does Elon qualify as a foreign actor? He’s certainly malign.

He's an illegal immigrant from South Africa. I don't know the diplomatic status of the USA with South Africa, but the current party in power would certainly not agree to the idea that illegal immigrants should be given total control of the Treasury.

It remains a matter of import. It is both true that they don't have clearance and true that in a more functional environment that they would not have earned it.

>Clearance could be granted on a whim by POTUS

He can' (but shouldn't). But there's no word that was granted to Musk. Since, he didn't name them. He probably doesn't though, because he should not have been stopped at USAID with the right credentials. Unless...

>Hope they did some vetting...

we both know he didn't. If he does have clearance, his interns definitely don't. Hence the kerfluffle at USAID.

Elon has produces technology that can be used for weapons of war. He and space x employees often have TS clearance.