Trump considering Elon Musk for advisory role in second administration

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the potential for Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, to take on an advisory role in a possible second term of the Trump administration. It highlights the close ties between Musk and Trump, as well as Musk's political interests and alignment with Trump's policies.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Potential Advisory Role for Elon Musk

1. What is the potential advisory role for Elon Musk in a possible second Trump administration?

• The article reports that Trump is considering Elon Musk for an advisory role, though the details of the role have not been fully hammered out and it may not happen.
• The two men have discussed ways for Musk to have formal input and influence over policies related to border security and the economy.

2. What is the context behind this potential advisory role?

• Trump and Musk have been in regular communication, corresponding by cell phone multiple times per month.
• Musk has reportedly been working to rebrand himself as a staunch conservative, which has alienated some of Tesla's key demographics and impacted the company's sales.
• Musk's political interests have centered around immigration, restrictions on transgender rights, and the economy.

3. How does this potential advisory role fit into Trump's approach to engaging the ultra-wealthy in government affairs?

• The article suggests that this potential role is a new indication that Trump wants to give the ultra-wealthy, like Musk, an even closer hand in government affairs.
• This aligns with Trump's previous efforts to engage with wealthy business owners, such as the meeting in March to discuss a potential donation from Musk to help close the gap in cash reserves between Trump and Biden.

[02] Musk's Political Alignment with Trump

1. What are some examples of Musk's political alignment with Trump?

• Musk has parroted Trump's rhetoric, such as the claim that undocumented immigrants were laying the "groundwork" for a terror attack, which Trump repeated at a rally.
• Musk has also banned the word "cisgender" from Twitter after far-right pundits attacked the term, aligning with Trump's transphobic rhetoric.

2. How has Musk's political positioning impacted Tesla's business?

• The article suggests that Musk's moves to rebrand himself as a staunch conservative have alienated key demographics who purchase electric vehicles, leading to a plunge in Tesla sales.

3. Has Musk officially endorsed a candidate for the U.S. presidency?

• No, the article states that Musk has so far opted not to officially tip the scales, writing in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that he was "not donating money to either candidate for U.S. President" as of that time.