Donald Trump has clarified that Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, will not be part of his White House cabinet if he wins the upcoming election. Despite Musk’s recent support for Trump, the former president expressed doubts about Musk’s ability to manage his business empire while holding a government position.
Trump’s comments were direct. He acknowledged Musk’s interest in involvement but questioned whether the billionaire could balance his corporate responsibilities with the demands of a cabinet role. “He wants to be involved. But look, he’s got big businesses to run. I don’t think he could handle being in the cabinet. Sure, I’d put him there, but with everything he’s got going on? I just don’t see it,” Trump stated. This stance suggests Trump is maintaining some distance from Musk, even as the two have recently become more aligned politically.
Past tensions turned to a newfound alliance
The relationship between Trump and Musk has seen a dramatic shift in recent months. While they have become allies, it wasn’t long ago that they were trading barbs on social media and during public appearances. Their newfound alliance has raised eyebrows, given their previously contentious interactions.
Musk’s recent endorsement of Trump came shortly after an assassination attempt on Trump, marking a significant political gesture. Additionally, Musk played a role in establishing a pro-Trump super PAC earlier this year, further solidifying his support. Despite this, Trump remains cautious about fully integrating Musk into his potential administration, perhaps reflecting a desire to keep some professional distance between them.
Political endorsement and social media moves
Musk’s deepening involvement in right-wing politics has been notable. Last month, he publicly endorsed Trump, signaling his support for the former president’s campaign. This endorsement came on the heels of Trump’s increased activity on X (formerly Twitter), the social media platform owned by Musk. After focusing on his platform, Truth Social, Trump has been more active on X, indicating a strategic shift.
Despite their friendly relations, Trump’s recent remarks suggest he is not ready to offer Musk a significant role in his administration. The former president’s decision may be influenced by the complexities of Musk’s business commitments and the challenges of managing such responsibilities alongside a government position.
Future collaborations are still possible
While Trump has ruled out a cabinet position for Musk, he has not completely dismissed the idea of working together. Musk expressed interest in contributing to a “government efficiency commission” if Trump secures another term in office. During a recent conversation with Trump on X, Musk indicated he would be eager to help streamline government operations, stating, “I think it would be great.”
While Trump and Musk have moved closer politically, the former president remains skeptical about Musk’s ability to take on a cabinet role. Their relationship may continue to evolve, but for now, Trump appears content to keep Musk at a professional distance, focusing instead on potential collaborations outside the formal government structure.