Trump Consulted Musk’s Grok on Maduro Kidnap Plot

American President Donald Trump consulted with xAI chatbot Grok regarding how Venezuelans would react to the January 3 military attack and the detention of authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro, novinky.cz reported. Citing an unnamed American official, Time magazine detailed that the artificial intelligence replied that many citizens would likely welcome the action.

Trump Consults Grok Before Venezuela Raid

The consultation occurred prior to the January 3 military intervention in Venezuela, which involved the bombing of multiple locations and resulted in approximately 100 deaths according to Caracas figures. After Maduro and his wife were detained, reports of street celebrations in Venezuelan cities led Trump to conclude that Elon Musk’s xAI chatbot was “savvy,” according to Time magazine accounts.

During a secret December visit to the White House, Trump spent hours asking the chatbot questions about his presidency and legacy. This interaction followed a public rift in June and Musk’s departure in May from the group for government efficiency (DOGE), a federal spending cut panel established by Trump.

Trump Consulted Grok Weeks Before Maduro's Capture: Report | WION News

Pentagon Uses Competing AI Tools in Military Operations

While Grok served as a sounding board for political strategy, the United States military deployed a different artificial intelligence system during the actual operation. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Pentagon used Claude, an AI tool developed by Anthropic, during the January 3 raid on Venezuela and the extraction of Maduro.

Following the strikes and subsequent reports of roughly 100 casualties in Caracas, Anthropic expressed concern regarding the military application of its technology, prompting the Trump administration to consider severing ties with the firm.

Grok Deployment in the Conflict With Iran

The military utility of Musk’s chatbot extends beyond the Venezuelan operation. Cameron Stanley, the Pentagon’s head of artificial intelligence, stated in June that the United States armed forces utilized Grok during the war with Iran, describing the software as critical to national security according to The Hill.

Stanley reported that the chatbot enabled American forces to deploy more than 2,000 missiles against 2,000 targets within a 96-hour window, substantially increasing operational efficiency. The Trump administration subsequently referenced this official statement in federal court to support the operation of xAI’s data center near Memphis, Tennessee. That facility has faced legal challenges from the NAACP regarding air emissions from turbines powering the center in Southaven, Mississippi.

Trump Consulted Musk's Grok on Maduro Kidnap Plot
Photo: Deník N

Pentagon deploys artificial intelligence tools during military operations

When did the United States military strike Venezuela and detain President Nicolás Maduro?

The military intervention took place on January 3, involving bombings across multiple locations in Venezuela that Caracas officials report resulted in approximately 100 deaths.

Which artificial intelligence tools did the Pentagon use during military operations?

The Pentagon used Anthropic’s Claude AI during the Venezuela raid through a partnership with Palantir Technologies, while military forces also utilized xAI’s Grok chatbot during the conflict with Iran.

Trump Consulted Grok Before Maduro's Arrest? AI Role In Major Military Operations Raises Concern

Why did the Trump administration defend Grok’s military utility in court?

The administration used official statements from Pentagon AI chief Cameron Stanley—regarding Grok helping forces launch over 2,000 missiles in 96 hours against Iran—to support the operation of xAI’s data center near Memphis amid environmental lawsuits.

What specific feedback did Grok give Trump regarding the Venezuelan leadership?

When asked how Venezuelans would respond to the kidnapping of President Maduro, the chatbot answered that many citizens would likely welcome the move.