Gov. Abbott Fights Release of Emails with Elon Musk, Citing Privacy and Confidentiality

Gov. Greg Abbott’s office is attempting to block the release of months of emails between the Governor and Elon Musk or his companies, arguing the communications are private, potentially embarrassing, and not subject to public disclosure.

The request, filed in April under the Texas Public Information Act, sought emails exchanged between Abbott’s staff and individuals with addresses linked to Musk’s companies, including Tesla and SpaceX. The request aimed to shed light on Musk’s influence in Texas politics, where his lobbyists recently helped advance legislation. Abbott has praised Musk publicly and cited him as a model for a state efficiency office.

Abbott’s office initially estimated the review would cost $244.64 and take over 13 hours. After receiving payment, it asked Attorney General Ken Paxton to block release of the records. Public information coordinator Matthew Taylor cited private legal conversations, policy discussions, and business recruitment strategies, warning that release could chill open dialogue, as first reported by The Texas Tribune. He also invoked the “common-law privacy” exemption, claiming the emails contain “intimate and embarrassing” information not of public concern.

Open records attorney Bill Aleshire criticized the move, saying such exemptions typically apply to personal data, not communications between a governor and a billionaire. “Right now, it appears they’ve charged you $244 for records they have no intention of giving you,” he said.

Kevin Bagnall, a lawyer for SpaceX, also asked Paxton’s office to withhold the emails, saying disclosure could harm the company’s competitiveness. Much of his letter was redacted.

A spokesperson for Abbott’s office said it complies with the Public Information Act and will release any non-confidential materials. 

The Office of the Attorney General has 45 business days to issue a decision on whether the records should be released.