Former President Donald Trump detailed what a potential role for Elon Musk might look like in a future administration during an appearance on the Shawn Ryan podcast, which will be posted online on Monday. Trump initially proposed the idea of Musk joining a future Trump Administration in a cabinet or advisory capacity during a lengthy discussion on X earlier this month. He reiterated his enthusiasm for the prospect in a recent Reuters interview, stating, “I certainly would, if he would do it, I certainly would. He’s a brilliant guy.”
Within hours, Musk took to X to state that he would be open to the idea. “I am ready to serve,” he wrote. The post included an AI-generated photo of Musk standing over a podium with the name “Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E.),” a reference to a cryptocurrency asset he has long supported.
On Sunday, former Navy SEAL turned top-rated podcast host Shawn Ryan posted a clip of his interview with Trump, asking the former president for more details on the idea. “I read that Elon Musk said that he would accept a position in your cabinet. Would that have to do with artificial intelligence?” Ryan asked. Trump responded: “He’s great. And he’s smart. And we have to cherish our geniuses. You know, we don’t have too many of them right? He is a brilliant guy, and what he really would like to do is get involved in cutting some of the fat, and he does know how to do it. And he loves our country, you know, it’s just an amazing thing.
As he continued answering Ryan’s question, Trump did suggest that there could be an additional role for Musk concerning the development of artificial intelligence. “Yeah, he wants to be involved. Now look, he’s running big businesses and all that so he can’t really I don’t think it’d be cabinet. I would put him in the cabinet absolutely, but I don’t know how he could do that with all the things he’s got going but do that with all the things he’s got going,” the former president said.
“But he can sort of, as the expression goes, consult with the country and give you some very good ideas. Like on AI, there’s nobody knows more about it than Elon. It’s a big, you know, big thing. And he said it’s very…I mean, it’s very important for the country. If we don’t do it, China is going to do it or somebody else, but most likely China,” Trump continued.
Musk, who voted for Joe Biden in 2020, has increasingly supported right-leaning causes in recent years. His support for Trump intensified following the attempted assassination on July 13, leading Musk to endorse Trump and pledge millions of dollars to pro-Trump political action committees.
Meanwhile, a Super PAC, co-founded by Musk, is allocating millions for data collection and canvassing in battleground states to secure Donald Trump’s election in November. America PAC, co-founded by Elon Musk, had previously flown under the radar until recent media coverage brought attention to its distinctive initiatives and prominent supporters.
In a July interview with Jordan Peterson, Musk highlighted the PAC’s activities, noting that it has spent over $20 million since June, according to FEC filings. Besides Musk, notable investors include Cameron Winklevoss, Tyler Winklevoss, Joe Lonsdale, and Doug Leone.
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