Written by Jacob Collins.
In a recent interview, former President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of appointing billionaire Elon Musk to a key position in his administration if he secures another term. Musk, the CEO of Twitter, Tesla, and SpaceX, has thrown his support behind Trump following the July 13 assassination attempt and has contributed millions to a super PAC backing Trump’s presidential campaign.
During the interview, Trump expressed admiration for Musk’s intellect and indicated he’d be open to giving him a significant role. “He’s a very smart guy. I certainly would—if he would do it, I certainly would,” Trump stated. Musk responded by sharing an AI-generated image of himself at a podium labeled “Department of Government Efficiency” and declared, “I am willing to serve.”
This potential collaboration between Trump and Musk has generated considerable attention, particularly as Trump has also hinted at possibly eliminating the Biden administration’s electric vehicle tax credits, a move that could directly impact Tesla. Trump argued that government intervention in the free market had stifled Tesla’s growth, which had been thriving before other automakers started producing cheaper EVs.
Musk’s Ideas for Government Efficiency
Musk’s involvement in a future Trump administration could extend beyond just a Cabinet position. Last week, the two had a lengthy discussion on X (formerly Twitter), where they tackled various policy issues, including the national debt. Musk suggested the formation of a commission dedicated to examining government spending and optimizing efficiency.
“I think it would be great to just have a government efficiency commission that looks at these things to make sure taxpayer money is spent in a good way,” Musk proposed during the conversation. He even volunteered his expertise, adding, “I’d be happy to help out on such a commission.”
Musk’s criticism of Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, has been particularly harsh. He labeled her as an “extinctionist” and warned that her policies could have catastrophic consequences not only for the U.S. but for the entire world. “Shamala is an extinctionist. The natural extension of her philosophy would be a de facto holocaust for all of humanity!” Musk asserted.
A Brain Trust of High-Profile Allies?
Musk’s potential appointment is part of a larger trend of high-profile figures showing interest in joining a Trump administration. Speculation has emerged that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. might abandon his independent run and endorse Trump. This move has fueled rumors that Kennedy could be considered for a major role, such as the director of the CIA, given his belief that the agency was involved in the assassination of his father and uncle.
Donald Trump Jr. is among those advocating for Kennedy’s appointment, linking his own family’s experience with political violence to Kennedy’s. This growing list of influential supporters suggests that a future Trump administration could be populated with a diverse group of individuals, all united by a desire to challenge the status quo and push back against what they see as the overreach of current government policies.
Our Take
The idea of Elon Musk joining a Trump administration is both intriguing and concerning. While Musk’s innovative thinking could bring fresh ideas to government efficiency, the combination of his eccentricity and Trump’s unpredictability could lead to some alarming outcomes. Moreover, the potential rollback of electric vehicle tax credits might stall progress on reducing carbon emissions, which could be detrimental in the long run. The involvement of figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also raises questions about the direction a future Trump administration could take, particularly regarding the handling of intelligence agencies.
