- Elon Musk referenced a common Bitcoin scam in a sarcastic remark about Yellen’s computer possibly being compromised.
- Musk’s jab at Yellen adds to their ongoing tensions, which have included previous criticisms from Musk regarding her role as Treasury Secretary.
Elon Musk, Tesla CEO and one of the world’s richest men, weighed in on X (formerly Twitter) about recent reports of a cyberattack against the U.S. Department of Treasury. In the discussion, Bitcoin (BTC), the oldest crypto, stole the spotlight.
According to reports, hackers allegedly with Chinese ties are said to have compromised even top-ranking officials in the department, including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.
Elon Musk Mocks Janet Yellen
The Treasury confirmed it was a supply chain attack based on the details disclosed in December 2024 over the cyberattack. Hackers did not go directly to target the Treasury systems but rather sneaked in via BeyondTrust, a third-party cybersecurity provider. This approach granted attackers the freedom to exploit vulnerabilities within trusted vendors to gain control of critical systems.
As information about the breach came out, including reports that Yellen’s computer might have been hacked, Musk responded with his characteristic wit. On January 17, he posted on X, “Maybe she clicked on the ‘send me 1 BTC, I send you 2 BTC’ email.” Here, Elon Musk is referring to a popular crypto scam in which scammers promise to double a victim’s Bitcoin if they send an initial amount.
The quip drew widespread attention on social media, with Musk’s followers sharing laughs and reactions to his sarcastic comment. The billionaire’s mention of cryptocurrency aligns with his history of engaging with crypto-related topics, often stirring conversations online, per the previous CNF report.
This breach, according to the Treasury, happened due to the more sophisticated kind of supply chain attacks. In the case of a supply chain attack, third parties are being attacked, meaning they penetrate those third-party companies as gateways to gaining entry into other governments or firms. BeyondTrust was the well-known cybersecurity firm targeted in the compromise of these systems.
The attack has escalated concerns regarding the vulnerability of U.S. cybersecurity. The inclusion of high-ranking officials like Yellen emphasizes how serious the breach is. Details are still being investigated, but cybersecurity experts have raised alarms about the potential risks that such an incident may bring about national security and financial stability. However, as per our previous report, China has denied the US allegations of its involvement in the matter,
Inside Musk & Yellen’s Chaotic History
Such a lighthearted jab at Yellen is not the first time Musk has criticized the Treasury Secretary. The two have clashed over policy matters and public statements. In April 2023, Musk hinted at a lack of confidence in Yellen’s capabilities, suggesting Warren Buffett would be a more suitable Treasury Secretary.
Earlier, in November 2022, Yellen had questioned Elon Musk’s acquisition of X, hinting that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) might need to investigate the deal. CFIUS is an interagency committee chaired by Yellen that assesses the national security implications of foreign investments in the U.S.
Musk’s comment only adds another layer to the complicated relationship between the two figures while drawing attention to some of the continuing cybersecurity challenges. Although Musk’s comments were in a lighthearted vein, the breach has again revived discussions on the security of sensitive government systems.
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