Trump hints at potential role for Elon Musk in presidential administration
In an unbuttoned chat on Monday, former President Donald Trump hinted at potentially scrapping the $7,500 tax break for electric vehicle purchases and entertain the idea of appointing Tesla CEO and electric vehicle tax credit aficionado, Elon Musk, to his cabinet or some advisory position.
Trump was on the campaign trail in York, Pennsylvania when Reuters grilled him about Musk joining his administration. Having called Musk a "smart guy," Trump mentioned being open to the idea, as long as Musk was willing to oblige. The interview oozed the familiar rambling vibe that hasn't fared too well in 2024, a stark contrast from 2016.
Musk jumped on the opportunity on X, posting, "I'm game." The post included an image of him standing before a podium that read "Department of Government Efficiency." The name was a nod to a comment Musk made during his lengthy conversation with Trump last week – Musk suggesting the formation of a government efficiency commission to ensure taxpayer money is well-spent.
Trump remained vague when discussing electric vehicle tax credits. The U.S. government currently hands out a $7,500 tax break to electric vehicle purchasers as an incentive to switch from carbon-spewing gas-guzzlers, a significant contributor to global warming. Trump danced around the question of ending the credit, stating, "We're looking at that... But you know, tax credits and tax incentives aren't generally a good thing."
The Trump-era tax cuts were steeped in tax incentives and credits, most notably doubling the child tax credit. When asked about his stance on the electric vehicle tax credit, Trump was equivocal, saying, "I am not making any final decisions on it." He stressed his affinity for electric vehicles, gasoline-powered cars, and hybrids, adding, "You can't mandate that you can only buy an electric car."
Musk's posts on X focused mainly on the imagined cabinet position rather than the tax credits, a critical consumer incentive Tesla desperately needs. The company reported two straight quarters of losses. Tesla's reputation, in part thanks to Musk's antics, is tainted. Lots brimming with unsold Teslas are a common sight. Musk's empire is built on tax incentives and government subsidies.
Despite his ideological dalliances with the American right, whose long-term interests may not align with his, Musk continues to dance with them. During their interview on X, Musk voiced his concerns about sustainability and the environment. However, Trump steered the conversation toward nuclear war, dismissing concerns about our warming planet.
- Elon Musk, known for his advocacy of electric vehicle tax credits and CEO of electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla, responded to the potential alliance with former President Donald Trump by posting, "I'm game," along with an image of a hypothetical government department entitled "Department of Government Efficiency."
- Trump, in his conversation with Reuters, remained vague on the possibility of scrapping the electric vehicle tax break, but mentioned that he was not completely against the idea, as tax credits and incentives aren't generally a good thing in his opinion.
- In a twist, Musk's recent posts have primarily focused on the potential appointment to Trump's cabinet or advisory position, rather than the critical matter of electric vehicle tax incentives, which Tesla has been heavily reliant on to sustain its business due to two consecutive quarters of losses.
- Despite his emphasis on sustainability and environmental concerns during their initial interview, Musk continue to engage with the American right, possibly navigating a challenging balance between his ideological beliefs and the long-term interests of his empire built on tax incentives and government subsidies.
