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Musk’s AI chatbot Grok reportedly encouraged Trump to capture Venezuela’spresident
In December 2025, President Trump sought advice from Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, regarding strategies for capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, just before the U.S. invasion in January 2026. Grok reportedly indicated that many Venezuelans would support Maduro's removal. The Pentagon has since utilized Grok for military operations, highlighting the rising role of AI in defense.
Key points
- December 2025: Trump secretly meets with Musk after Musk's departure from the DOGE.
- Trump consulted Grok about Venezuelans' reactions to Maduro's capture.
- Grok informed Trump that Maduro was unpopular, potentially leading to celebrations of his removal.
- January 3, 2026: U.S. invasion of Venezuela occurs, with many Venezuelans reportedly celebrating.
- Post-invasion, Trump expressed admiration for Grok's insights.
- In June 2026, the Pentagon acknowledged using Gov Grok for military strikes.
Why it matters
- Historical context: The U.S. has a history of intervention in Latin America, notably in Venezuela's politics.
- Current AI Trends (2025): Increased military reliance on AI for intelligence and operational decisions.
- Musk's role in technology and defense highlights the intersection of private innovation with government strategy.
- Concerns about AI ethics in warfare raise questions about accountability in future military operations.
This situation underscores the growing influence of AI in military strategy and decision-making, with implications for international relations and ethical governance in warfare.