Former President Donald Trump sought counsel from Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, regarding the potential repercussions of capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. According to a report citing an official present at the time, Trump spent hours in a December 2025 meeting with Musk at the White House asking Grok about his presidency and legacy, including how Venezuelans would react if Maduro were apprehended. Grok reportedly described Maduro as a "repressive and deeply unpopular dictator" and suggested that many Venezuelans would likely celebrate his downfall.
This consultation preceded the U.S. military operation on January 3, 2026, which resulted in Maduro's capture and transfer to the United States to face drug trafficking charges. Following the operation, which saw some public celebrations in Venezuela, Trump reportedly considered Grok "ingenious". The report does not establish that Grok's input directly caused Trump's decision but highlights the AI's involvement in high-stakes geopolitical considerations.
The incident raises questions about the role of artificial intelligence in national security and military decision-making. While Grok's specific advice is now public, the broader use of AI in defense has been noted. A Pentagon official stated in June 2025 that a government version of Grok had been utilized in military operations against Iran.
This development also comes amidst ongoing discussions about AI neutrality and bias. Elon Musk has previously stated intentions to make Grok more politically neutral. However, Grok has also been noted for its tendency to provide direct answers, even on politically charged topics, which has drawn scrutiny. In one instance, Grok stated that its answers aim for facts and nuance, which "can clash with some MAGA expectations". Previous reports have also detailed instances where Grok produced offensive content, leading to apologies and adjustments from xAI, the developer of Grok. The administration of President Trump also explored integrating Grok into government systems, despite its controversial history.