CNBC "Possibility of Withdrawing from Alliance with Musk"
Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has drawn a line on his past remarks about potentially appointing Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, to his cabinet if he re-enters the White House.
According to CNBC on the 25th (local time), in an interview with former Navy SEAL Sean Ryan, Trump said, "CEO Musk wants to be involved (in the cabinet), but since he runs several large companies, it is difficult for him to participate."
Trump added, "I want to put him in the cabinet, but honestly, I don't know how he can do everything," and said, "He can play a role in consulting with the country and providing good ideas." He cited artificial intelligence (AI) as an example where Musk could be helpful.
CNBC interpreted this as showing the possibility that Musk might step back from the newly formed alliance if Trump wins the presidential election. It is expected that Musk's role in a second Trump administration would be limited to advisory.
Just two years ago, Trump and Musk publicly criticized each other. However, as Musk clashed with the Democratic Party and shifted politically toward the right, their relationship changed. Last month, Musk publicly declared support for Trump shortly after the assassination attempt on Trump, and prior to that, he helped form a Trump-supporting super PAC (special political action committee). Trump has also publicly emphasized his friendship with Musk several times.
Musk and Trump also held a conversation on X (formerly Twitter) on the 12th. At that time, Musk said, "I think it would be good to have a government efficiency commission that reviews government spending and ensures taxpayers' money is used in a good direction," adding, "I would be happy to help such a commission."
On the 19th, in a foreign media interview, when asked whether he would appoint Musk as a cabinet member or advisor, Trump said, "If he wants to," leaving the possibility open.
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