Former President Donald Trump is reportedly contemplating appointing tech mogul Elon Musk to a crucial advisory position if he reclaims the White House this November. Insiders, as first reported by The Wall Street Journal, indicate that the Tesla CEO could play a significant role in shaping policies on economic matters and border security under a potential Trump administration. Additionally, Musk seems to be involved in a substantial election integrity initiative for the forthcoming election.
The pair, who reportedly met several times and maintain regular communication, discussed ways in which Musk could provide “formal input” on a range of topics. This is not the first time the two high-profile figures have discussed serious topics.
Intriguingly, Musk, who owns the social media platform X and has become a significant influencer, has opted not to contribute financially to any presidential campaign this year. Rather, his efforts seem to be concentrated on utilizing his broad connections across different sectors to influence the impending election. This effort includes a collaborative initiative with billionaire investor Nelson Peltz, focusing on rallying support for a “data-driven” project designed to address voter fraud, an issue that has sparked debate in past elections.
In addition, Musk and Peltz have allegedly informed Trump about their influence campaign targeting U.S. business leaders, urging them to withhold support from Trump’s main rival, Democratic President Joe Biden. According to The WSJ:
Donald Trump and Elon Musk have discussed a possible advisory role for the Tesla leader should the presumptive Republican nominee reclaim the White House, the latest sign that the once-frosty relationship between the two men has thawed.
The role hasn’t been fully hammered out and might not happen, people familiar with the talks said, but the two men discussed ways to give Musk formal input and influence over policies related to border security and the economy, both issues on which Musk has grown more vocal.
A Trump campaign official stated to The Hill that the former president “will be the only voice of what role an individual plays in his presidency.” The official noted further: “But it has been widely reported, and is demonstrated in a number of ways, that many of the nation’s important leaders in technology and innovation are concerned with the damage done to their industry by Biden’s failure to handle our economy and his moves to overburden innovators with government bureaucracy and unrelenting regulation.”
See also: Elon Musk gives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez a brutal history lesson on censorship
Musk and Trump, both prominent figures, have occasionally engaged publicly, primarily concerning business and politics. Their relationship has experienced various phases, with Musk sometimes voicing critical opinions on Trump’s policies during his presidency, while later collaborating on areas of mutual interest, such as space and technology.
Additionally, Musk has intensified his criticism of Biden’s border security measures, expressing concerns over the administration’s policies. Musk’s critique aligns with broader issues he has raised about government regulations and economic strategies, which he believes impact national security and economic stability.
Disclaimer: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.