Former President Expresses Interest in Tech Mogul’s Expertise
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that he would consider offering tech billionaire Elon Musk a Cabinet position or an advisory role should he return to the White House. During an interview with Reuters, Trump praised Musk’s intelligence and hinted at the possibility of collaborating with the SpaceX CEO.
“He’s a brilliant guy”
When asked if Musk was being considered for a role in his potential administration, Trump responded affirmatively. “He’s a very smart guy. I certainly would, if he would do it, I certainly would. He’s a brilliant guy,” Trump stated, emphasizing Musk’s potential value in his team.
Musk, who recently endorsed Trump for the upcoming election, has shown increasing support for the former president. Last month, Musk praised Trump’s “instinctual courage” and expressed admiration for his vice presidential pick, JD Vance. The two have also engaged in friendly discussions on Musk’s social platform, X, further solidifying their alliance.
Musk’s previous role in Trump’s administration
This potential collaboration would not be Musk’s first involvement with Trump’s administration. Following Trump’s 2016 election victory, Musk was appointed to two advisory councils, where he influenced policies on the environment and immigration. However, Musk resigned in 2017 after Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris climate accord.
Musk’s vision for government efficiency
In a recent conversation on X, Musk proposed the idea of a “government efficiency commission” to oversee spending and reduce waste, expressing his willingness to serve on such a board. This idea aligns with Trump’s broader goals of streamlining government operations.
In the same Reuters interview, Trump revealed plans to eliminate the $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicle (EV) purchases if re-elected. He criticized tax credits and incentives, suggesting they are generally ineffective. This move could have significant implications for Tesla, Musk’s electric car company.
Trump’s stance on EVs is complex. While he acknowledges the importance of electric cars, he remains a supporter of gasoline-powered vehicles and hybrids. He also criticized the Biden administration’s rules favoring EV production, predicting a “much smaller market” for electric vehicles due to cost and battery range issues.
Potential impact on future policies
If re-elected, Trump’s administration could see a significant shift in environmental and automotive policies, with Musk potentially playing a crucial role. As the November 5 election approaches, the collaboration between these two influential figures could shape the future direction of U.S. governance.