Billionaire Tesla CEO Elon Musk has denied reports suggesting that he has discussed a potential advisory role in the White House with former President Donald Trump. A recent report named Musk as one of the wealthy business executives on Trump’s list of potential appointees for his second term if he were to win. Musk, who has been vocal about his criticisms of President Joe Biden, stated that there have been no discussions about a role for him in a potential Trump presidency.
The discussions about a potential role for Musk reportedly took place during a meeting at billionaire Nelson Peltz’s home in Palm Beach in March, according to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal. Trump and Musk have reportedly strengthened their relationship in recent years, with frequent phone calls and gatherings with wealthy friends and political allies to discuss strategies to defeat Biden. Trump is also considering other wealthy business executives like hedge fund manager John Paulson and investor Scott Bessent for the treasury secretary position.
Other names that have been floated for the treasury secretary position include Susquehanna International Group founder Jeff Yass, former Trump trade adviser Robert Lighthizer, and former Trump Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Jay Clayton. JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon has also been mentioned, although it is unclear if his politics align with Trump’s. Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who was ruled out as a running mate, is being considered for a cabinet position, including Homeland Security secretary.
Following reports of the meeting between Peltz, Musk, and Trump, Musk clarified that he is not donating money to either candidate for the US President. It is unclear if the rumored cabinet options are actually interested in joining the Trump administration. A Biden-Harris spokesperson accused Trump of selling out America to pay his legal bills and put himself in power, referencing a meeting where Trump reportedly sought donations from wealthy donors. Musk and Perlmutter are reportedly working on a project to prevent voter fraud in the 2024 election.
Trump previously surrounded himself with wealthy business executives in his first White House, including Musk, who served in advisory groups before resigning in 2017. Other wealthy individuals in Trump’s cabinet included investor Carl Icahn, Marvel chairman Isaac Perlmutter, Exxon chairman and CEO Rex Tillerson, hedge fund investor Steven Mnuchin, and Betsy DeVos. Musk’s political shift from backing Obama to endorsing DeSantis has been noted, showcasing his evolving political views in recent years.
