Recent reports suggest Musk may be eyeing a new political venture
Musk’s Increasingly Trump-Like Behavior Sparks Speculation of Future Collaboration
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been making headlines for his increasing political engagement, echoing former President Donald Trump’s style. Over the past year, Musk has voiced opinions on global conflicts, met with world leaders and US senators to discuss artificial intelligence, and engaged with senior Chinese officials.
Recent reports suggest Musk may be eyeing a new political venture: advising Trump, the likely Republican presidential nominee. According to the Wall Street Journal, Musk has discussed the possibility of advising Trump if he wins the 2024 election. Sources claim Musk contacted Trump directly to explore this role, though it’s unclear who initiated the conversations.
The Trump campaign and Musk did not respond to CNN’s requests for comment, but Trump campaign spokesperson Brian Hughes stated that Trump alone would determine the roles individuals play in his potential presidency. Musk refuted the Journal’s report, denying any discussions of a role in a possible Trump administration on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Potential Political Alliance
Despite Musk’s denial, a formal role in a future Trump administration could expand upon his previous involvement during Trump’s first term, when he served on two business advisory councils before resigning over Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement.
Should Musk gain the privilege of advising Trump, it could significantly amplify his influence on US policies. This potential partnership comes as Musk’s political views increasingly align with Trump’s. Musk has supported right-wing causes, opposed Covid-19 lockdowns, embraced anti-vaccine rhetoric, and elevated conservative voices on X. He has also pushed conspiracy theories about immigration and the “woke mind virus,” a term used by some conservatives to describe progressive causes.
Musk’s political shift has been evident in his management of X, where he reinstated Trump’s account and hosted right-leaning political figures. His platform changes have included allowing users to purchase verification checkmarks, boosting posts of subscribers, and paying verified users a share of ad revenue based on post popularity.
Conflict of Interest Concerns
Musk’s businesses, particularly SpaceX and Tesla, benefit from government contracts and subsidies, making his potential advisory role to Trump a conflict of interest. Darrell West, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, noted that a private line to a future President Trump could blend personal business interests with political influence, undermining fair play in capitalism.
Musk and his companies face multiple federal investigations, and any intervention by Trump to halt these probes would be egregious. Even the perception of improper influence could damage the rule of law and public trust.
Musk’s extreme rhetoric on X has normalized hate and misinformation, according to Imran Ahmed, CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH). Musk’s management of X has led to the reinstatement of suspended accounts of white supremacists and conspiracy theorists, further contributing to the platform’s rightward shift.
Biden Campaign Response
The Biden campaign has criticized the potential Musk-Trump collaboration. Biden-Harris 2024 spokesperson James Singer stated that America is not for sale to billionaires like Musk. He accused Trump of selling out America for personal gain while billionaires see Trump as a means to further their interests.
As the political landscape evolves, Musk’s potential advisory role in a Trump administration raises questions about the influence of wealth and business interests on US politics. The implications of such a partnership could have far-reaching effects on both domestic and global policies.
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