Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said "he certainly would" consider Tesla CEO and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk to a cabinet or advisory role. Trump's statement comes as Musk openly endorsed Trump in the Presidential elections, and even hosted an interview with the former President on his social media platform X.
On whether he would be open to naming Tesla CEO Elon Musk to a cabinet or advisory role, Trump told Reuters in an interview on Monday: "He's a very smart guy. I certainly would, if he would do it, I certainly would. He's a brilliant guy."
Interestingly, Musk reacted to Trump's statement. "I am willing to serve," the Tesla CEO said.
However, Trump's following statement on EV credit may not be something Musk would appreciate. Trump said he would consider scrapping $7,500 federal subsidies for electric vehicles, which could hurt Tesla and Musk. "Tax credits and tax incentives are not generally a very good thing," Trump added.
It is said that Trump could repeal the rules that help automakers take advantage of the $7,500 credit. "I'm 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."
Though both share a good rapport now, the mutual admiration wasn't always there. Musk was once a sharp critic of Trump. "I don't hate the man," Elon Musk tweeted in July 2022, "but it's time for Trump to hang up his hat & sail into the sunset." Musk's reaction came after Trump accused him of lying to him about who he voted for in the last presidential election.
The Tesla CEO had often been at the receiving end of Trump's rant, with the former president even stating that "Musk won't buy Twitter". Musk went on to buy the social media platform and even used it to endorse Trump's Republican arch-rival, Ron DeSantis.
But, things have since changed and Musk is actively endorsing Trump, especially after his relationship with President Biden soured over issues including unions in Tesla. Biden did not invite Musk to the 2021 White House electric vehicle summit despite Tesla being one of the world's largest EV manufacturers, much to Musk's chagrin. Musk then went on to publicly say that he won't vote for Biden.
Things warmed between Musk and Trump after the duo met at the latter's Florida resort. Soon after the assassination attempt on Trump, Musk tweeted: "I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery."