The speculation is that Musk is trying to get out of the Twitter deal by making comments that will cause the administration to see him as a security risk. If he really is one, then they probably shouldn't let him buy Twitter even if that lets him off the hook. If nothing happens by Friday (which, IIRC, is the deadline date), then I guess we'll see one way or another.
Side note: while not really related to the Twitter deal, it's likely that Musk pissed off the administration by claiming that he provides Starlink services when (a) the US government provides substantial subsidies for it; and (b) Ukrainian users pay for the service.
Have you ever heard of Henry Simons?
That Charlie Stross post is pretty great, thanks for bringing it up.
You're right at how weird the Twitter story is: If the administration is mad at Musk, why do him a favor and let him out of the Twitter deal?
The speculation is that Musk is trying to get out of the Twitter deal by making comments that will cause the administration to see him as a security risk. If he really is one, then they probably shouldn't let him buy Twitter even if that lets him off the hook. If nothing happens by Friday (which, IIRC, is the deadline date), then I guess we'll see one way or another.
Side note: while not really related to the Twitter deal, it's likely that Musk pissed off the administration by claiming that he provides Starlink services when (a) the US government provides substantial subsidies for it; and (b) Ukrainian users pay for the service.