Former President Donald Trump has suggested that Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, might face challenges in serving effectively in a cabinet position within a potential Trump administration due to the demanding nature of managing his extensive business interests.
“He wants to be involved, but he’s running big businesses. I don’t think he could really be in the cabinet,” Trump stated. In an interview with former Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan, Trump elaborated, “I’d definitely put him in the cabinet, but I’m not sure how he could balance that with his current responsibilities.”
Trump suggested that Musk could still play a valuable role by offering advice and insights rather than holding an official cabinet position. “He could, as the saying goes, consult with the country and provide some very good ideas,” Trump remarked.
The relationship between Trump and Musk has evolved significantly over the past few years. After a period of public discord and social media exchanges, their rapport has improved, with Musk emerging as an ally.
Recently, Musk publicly endorsed Trump, even following an assassination attempt on the former president, and has been involved in forming a pro-Trump political action committee.
Trump has also resumed using X (formerly Twitter) after focusing exclusively on his social media platform, Truth Social. Both Trump and Musk have hinted at the possibility of collaborating if Trump secures another term.
In a recent discussion streamed on X, Musk expressed interest in a joint effort, stating, “I think it would be great to have a government efficiency commission, and I’d be happy to help out on such a commission.”