Internet divided as Trump reportedly mulls WH advisory role for Musk, holds calls 'several times a month'
WASHINGTON, DC: Former President Donald Trump is purportedly considering tech mogul Elon Musk for a White House advisory role as both mend their icy relationship, reported The Wall Street Journal.
The specifics of Musk's potential role have not yet been finalized, but the Republican presumptive nominee and the SpaceX CEO have reportedly discussed how Musk could provide "formal input" on issues related to the border, the economy, and voter fraud prevention.
Despite their differences, Trump and Musk talk "several times a month," via direct phone contact, as per WSJ.
The world's third-richest man, alongside billionaire investor Nelson Peltz, had discussed with Trump a strategy for Musk to influence business leaders against supporting President Joe Biden in the upcoming presidential election.
Trump to decide appointment of individuals
"President Trump will be the only voice of what role an individual plays in his presidency," senior Trump adviser Brian Hughes said to the New York Post.
"But it has been widely reported and is demonstrated in a number of ways, that many of the nation's most important leaders in technology and innovation are concerned with the damage done to their industry by Biden's failures to handle our economy and his moves to overburden innovators with government bureaucracy and unrelenting regulation," he added.
Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter) and an openly anti-Biden billionaire had earlier declared that he would not fund either presidential candidate but portrayed himself as primarily independent.
Born in South Africa, the billionaire was granted US citizenship in 2022.
Despite his reluctance to give money to Trump, the Tesla founder met with the GOP White House hopeful at Mar-a-Lago after the latter nearly swept the Super Tuesday primaries.
However, Trump did not reveal the details of their conversation after confirming the meeting in an interview with CNBC in March. "Look, I've been friendly with him over the years. I helped him when I was president. I helped him. I've liked him," the 45th President said.
According to WSJ, their discussions touched on issues like immigration, technology, science, and the US Space Force.
Even if Musk does not donate to the campaign, his significant social media following, consisting of 185.1 million X followers, could influence voters to favor Trump.
Internet debates on reports of Elon Musk's likely advisory role in Trump administration
Netizens had sharply divided opinions about Musk's potential White House role if Trump were elected president. While some welcomed the idea, others harshly criticized it.
One user wrote, "This duo will be unstoppable."
Meanwhile, another remarked, "Elon Musk is going to let a lot of people down. He hired the WEF to run his "free speech" site. The woman is on video saying he should censor people that don't agree with sponsors. She is a Globalist. He is an admitted admirer of Socialism And until the coming election a Democrat." [sic]
Elon Musk is going to let a lot of people down. He hired the WEF to run his "free speech" site. The woman is on video saying he should censor people that don't agree with sponsors. She is a Globalist. He is an admitted admirer of Socialism And until the coming election a Democrat
β Centauri73 (@centauri73) May 30, 2024
"Even in the previous administration, he reached out to Musk as an adviser right away. Trump likes to sourround himself with successful business leaders, that is not new," added a user.
Whereas a response read, "I don't know why people are saying this is a good thing. I'm as right as they come. This is an awful idea for multiple reasons. The owner of the "digital public square" shouldn't be in bed with ANY politician. Even those on our side."
Even in the previous administration, he reached out to Musk as an adviser right away. Trump likes to sourround himself with successful business leaders, that is not new.
β QuestionEverything (@skeptic_ape) May 29, 2024
I don't know why people are saying this is a good thing.
β Conquest (@CRlder) May 29, 2024
I'm as right as they come. This is an awful idea for multiple reasons.
The owner of the "digital public square" shouldn't be in bed with ANY politician. Even those on our side.
Someone else claimed, "This would be the best thing POSSIBLE for America!" While an individual opined, "Adding another entitled, narcissistic, billionaire to the mix, what could possibly go wrong???"
This would be the best thing POSSIBLE for America!πΊπΈπΊπΈπΊπΈππππΊπΈπΊπΈπΊπΈ
β CatManDooDoo (@absirdguy) May 29, 2024
Adding another entitled, narcissistic, billionaire to the mix, what could possibly go wrong??? π€¦π»ββοΈ pic.twitter.com/B2hp2PpVbr
β BenG (@bentichy) May 30, 2024
"That would be a phenomenal idea.. in some regards," read a remark.
On the other hand, another user said, "Yes, trust the billionaire megalomaniac with satellites and microchips he puts in people brains, who would then be appointed by another megalomaniac con man. What could possibly go wrong....checks all notes from every sci-fi movie....everything." [sic]
That would be a phenomenal idea.. in some regards. https://t.co/X8IUiPYQ9C
β MReindl (@WordsOfMagnesia) May 29, 2024
Yes, trust the billionaire megalomaniac with satellites and microchips he puts in people brains, who would then be appointed by another megalomaniac con man.
β U-A-Sissy S. Grant (@NickyVrooms) May 29, 2024
What could possibly go wrong....checks all notes from every sci-fi movie....everything
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.