Former President Donald Trump has indicated that while he would welcome Elon Musk's involvement in a potential future administration, the Tesla CEO's busy schedule might preclude him from serving in an official Cabinet position.
According to The Hill, Trump suggested that Musk could instead serve in an advisory capacity, offering valuable insights on various matters, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence.
In a recent "Shawn Ryan Show" interview, Trump expressed his appreciation for Musk's abilities and knowledge. He acknowledged the tech mogul's numerous business commitments, which include running Tesla, SpaceX, and the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), as potential obstacles to a full-time government role.
Trump elaborated on his vision for Musk's involvement, stating:
The country could benefit from his consultation and very good ideas. He's a very smart guy. I certainly would, if he would do it, I certainly would. He's a brilliant guy.
The former president highlighted Musk's expertise in artificial intelligence as a particularly valuable asset. Musk is the owner of xAI, an AI startup, and has been integrating AI technology into Tesla's operations.
This consideration of Musk for an advisory role comes in the context of the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Trump is currently seeking the Republican nomination and has been trailing Vice President Kamala Harris in recent polls.
Earlier this month, during a two-hour conversation on X between Trump and Musk, the Tesla CEO expressed his willingness to serve on a government commission. Specifically, Musk showed interest in studying the national debt and congressional spending.
Musk stated:
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. I'd be happy to help out on such a commission.
This statement aligns with Trump's suggestion of utilizing Musk's expertise in an advisory capacity, focusing on specific areas where his knowledge and experience could be most beneficial.
Trump's recent comments are not the first time he has mentioned the possibility of involving Musk in his administration. In a previous interview with Reuters, Trump suggested that he would consider the Tesla CEO for a role in his Cabinet.
Musk, for his part, has shown support for Trump's presidential aspirations. He has endorsed Trump in the presidential race and has backed a super PAC supporting the former president's bid. This alignment between the two high-profile figures has drawn attention in political and business circles alike.
In conclusion, Trump's recent statements suggest a potential advisory role for Elon Musk in a future administration rather than a Cabinet position. The former president values Musk's expertise, particularly in AI and business efficiency.
Musk has expressed willingness to serve on government commissions, focusing on fiscal matters. This potential collaboration between Trump and Musk continues to be a topic of interest as the 2024 presidential race unfolds.
