Topline
Former President Donald Trump said in an interview with Reuters on Monday he would offer either a Cabinet position or advisory role to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, as the world’s wealthiest man has become an increasingly key political ally for the ex-president.
Republican Presidential Candidate former President Donald Trump takes the stage during a campaign … [+]
Key Facts
Trump told Reuters that, if he’s elected, he would turn to Musk for a Cabinet position or advisory role in the White House provided the billionaire “would do it.”
The comments come shortly after Musk interviewed Trump on his platform X, formerly known as Twitter, and Trump praised the vehicles Musk makes, saying that while not everybody should have an electric car, Musk makes a “great product.”
Musk had previously said he favored President Joe Biden in the 2020 election, The Washington Post reported, but he endorsed Trump shortly after the assassination attempt on Trump’s life, saying in a post on X, “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery.”
Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you’ll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here.
Contra
Trump told Reuters Monday he doesn’t see tax credits and incentives as good things generally, but that he isn’t “making any final decisions on” the $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit—which he tried to repeal when he was in office but has since been expanded under Biden. He said he is “a big fan of electric cars, but I’m a fan of gasoline-propelled cars, and also hybrids and whatever else happens to come along.”
Key Background
Earlier this year, Musk—who has become a bigger supporter of Trump in recent weeks— denied that he was in talks with the former president for a White House advisory role, saying in a post on X “there have not been any discussions of a role for me in a potential Trump Presidency.” But, in the pair’s streamed conversation on X last week, Trump signaled his willingness to offer Musk a role in his administration, perhaps as a member of a “government efficiency commission.” Musk raised the idea of creating such a commission that would ensure “taxpayers money…is spent in a good way,” and said it was something he would be “happy to help out on,” prompting Trump to say he would “love” that.
Forbes Valuation
Forbes estimates Musk to have a net worth of $248.6 billion as of 6:30 p.m. Monday, making him the wealthiest person in the world. We estimate Trump to have a net worth of about $4.4 billion.
What To Watch For
Whether Musk responds to Trump’s offer.
Further Reading
Israel and Hamas. Previously, she has covered a range of topics from Donald Trump’s legal battles to Taylor Swift’s path to becoming a billionaire. She joined Forbes in April 2022 and is based in Colorado. Prior to joining Forbes, Bohannon covered local news and spent time at the Fort Collins Coloradoan and the Arizona Republic. She graduated with a degree in journalism from Creighton University and has an MA in investigative journalism from Arizona State. Follow Bohannon for continued coverage of pop culture, politics and updates on the war in Gaza.
“>
