Newsletters
Trump spent hours questioning Elon Musk’s Grok artificial intelligence chatbot about his presidency, legacy and Venezuela during a private Oval Office meeting in December 2025, according to a Time report citing an official who was present.
The account was published separately from Trump’s interview with Time and was not part of the interview itself.
According to the report, Musk returned to the Oval Office for what Time described as a clandestine meeting as Trump was becoming increasingly impressed by AI technology and engaging more closely with technology executives.
At the time of the meeting, Trump was ordering missile strikes against Venezuelan boats that he alleged were smuggling drugs into the U.S.
During his conversation with Grok, Trump asked how Venezuelans might respond if the U.S. captured Venezuelan leader Maduro, according to the official cited by Time.
The chatbot reportedly responded that Maduro was a repressive and deeply unpopular dictator and that many Venezuelans would likely celebrate his downfall.
The following month, Trump ordered a mission to seize Maduro, according to the Time account.
Celebrations later broke out in the streets, the report said.
Officials cited by Time said Trump came away from the experience believing Grok was “ingenious.”
The episode came as Trump increasingly marveled at AI’s capabilities after returning to office, according to Time.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
