Former President Donald Trump is reportedly considering an advisory role for billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, should he win the November general election.
This development comes as Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, continues to strengthen his relationships with major figures in technology and innovation.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump and Musk have been in discussion about how Musk could provide “formal input” on various national issues including the economy, border security, and voter fraud prevention.
These talks signal a warming relationship between the two, despite past tensions. Musk, known for his critical stance on the Biden administration’s handling of economic and border issues, could significantly sway Trump’s campaign with his vast influence on social media and beyond.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the pair have patched up their relationship in recent months, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Musk, the CEO of Tesla and owner of the social media platform X, engages in direct phone conversations with Trump several times a month. Their discussions have spanned topics from immigration to technology advancements like the US Space Force, highlighting Musk’s potential to contribute to policy-making in these areas.
Musk’s involvement is not just seen as a strategic advisory capacity but also as a significant endorsement for Trump’s campaign.
Despite not committing financial support, Musk’s influence could prove crucial. He has previously expressed concerns over Biden’s policies which he believes have overburdened innovators with government bureaucracy and unrelenting regulation, echoing Trump’s criticisms of the current administration.
Both Musk and billionaire investor Nelson Peltz have also briefed Trump on a data-driven project aimed at averting voter fraud and a campaign to deter business leaders from supporting Biden, indicating a concerted effort to rally influential support against the incumbent president.
As Trump courts wealthy donors and influential figures in his bid to reclaim the presidency, the potential inclusion of Musk in his administration underscores a broader strategy to use high-profile partnerships to address core issues like the economy and national security.
Trump campaign officials have stated, “President Trump will be the only voice of what role an individual plays in his presidency,” emphasizing Trump’s authoritative approach to his potential administration’s structure.
However, the ongoing dialogues with figures like Musk suggest a collaborative effort that could shape the future direction of Trump’s policy initiatives should he return to the White House.
While Musk has not made an official endorsement in the race, his critiques of Biden’s administration, particularly regarding immigration and economic policies, align closely with Trump’s platform. The Tesla CEO’s decision to potentially advise Trump could indeed sway voter sentiments as the election approaches.