Tesla CEO Elon Musk is emerging as a key confidant of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. CEO Musk, who has actively helped President-elect Trump’s election activities during this US presidential election, was also present when President-elect Trump recently had a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Turkmenistan. It is rare for a businessperson to attend a phone call between the president-elect and a foreign leader. The prospect that CEO Musk will exert great influence in the next Trump administration is gaining ground.
On the 8th (local time), U.S. Internet media outlet Axios reported that President-elect Trump invited CEO Musk to attend a 25-minute phone call congratulating Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on his election. When President Zelensky mentioned CEO Musk’s support for the satellite communications company ‘Starlink’ starting in 2022, President Trump announced that CEO Musk was by his side. It is also said that he immediately handed the receiver to CEO Musk. The phone call between President Zelensky and CEO Musk lasted about 7 minutes.
It is known that Musk also participated in a phone call with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Türkiye that took place on the same day. The Washington Post (WP) said, “CEO Musk’s participation in the call is evidence that he has accumulated a surprising level of political and economic power,” and added, “It is a sign of his intention to take on important work in the Trump administration.”
In fact, analysis suggests that CEO Musk will also have an impact on personnel and federal government reform. CNN reported, “CEO Musk also participated in conversations considering personnel decisions for the next administration.”
President-elect Trump has announced that he will create a Government Efficiency Committee in September and appoint CEO Musk as its chairman. It is reported that the Government Efficiency Commission will be responsible for scouring the accounting books of each federal government department to cut financial expenditures on wasteful programs and eliminate unnecessary regulations. At a campaign rally on the 27th of last month, CEO Musk claimed that he could use the ‘Government Efficiency Commission’ to cut the budget by at least $2 trillion. The plan is to reduce federal government spending ($6.75 trillion) by one-third in fiscal year 2024.
Musk wrote in his “It must change now,” and “Weekly performance notification emails should be mandatory for all public officials.”
Reporter Kim Bora [email protected]
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Expert Dr. Jane Thompson
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Thompson! Thank you for joining us today. There’s been quite a buzz in the political world regarding Elon Musk’s emerging role as a confidant to President-elect Donald Trump, especially following his involvement in phone calls with foreign leaders. What does this suggest about Musk’s influence in the upcoming administration?
Dr. Jane Thompson: Thank you for having me! Elon Musk’s involvement, especially in diplomatic conversations, is indeed quite remarkable. Typically, business figures don’t step into such political arenas, particularly when it involves calls with leaders like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky or Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. His presence at these calls indicates not just a close relationship with Trump, but also a significant level of trust and potentially powerful influence over policy decisions.
Time.news Editor: That certainly raises eyebrows. The Axios report mentions Musk was not only present during these calls but was also asked to contribute. What implications does this have for his future role in the Trump administration?
Dr. Jane Thompson: It suggests that Musk will likely play a substantial role in shaping both domestic and foreign policy. His participation in discussions about personnel decisions for the next administration hints that he could have a hand in selecting key officials. Moreover, the creation of the Government Efficiency Commission, with Musk as its proposed chairman, underscores Trump’s intent to leverage Musk’s business acumen to streamline government spending.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of the Government Efficiency Commission, Musk has claimed he could lead efforts to cut federal spending by at least $2 trillion. How realistic is this, and what might such cuts entail?
Dr. Jane Thompson: While Musk’s ambition is certainly compelling, realizing those savings is substantially more complex. Cutting a third of a $6.75 trillion budget involves sifting through a myriad of programs, many of which hold vital importance to constituents. The challenge will be balancing efficiency with the practical needs of governance. If done correctly, it could indeed yield significant budgetary gains, but it also risks backlash from those who may feel their essential services are on the chopping block.
Time.news Editor: Critics often point out that Musk’s style—marked by bold claims and a focus on performance—could clash with the slower, more deliberative nature of government. How could this tension manifest in the Trump administration?
Dr. Jane Thompson: You’re absolutely right. Musk is known for his fast-paced innovation culture, which may not be easily compatible with government processes. This clash could lead to friction when it comes to implementing reforms. There’s a risk that rapid changes may not receive the necessary consideration or legislation, potentially leading to instability in various departments. The optimism surrounding Musk’s capabilities must also be tempered by an awareness of how government functions, which could slow his reform agenda.
Time.news Editor: Before we wrap up, are there any potential risks associated with Musk’s growing political influence that we should be mindful of?
Dr. Jane Thompson: Yes, indeed. One major risk is the consolidation of power in individuals from corporate backgrounds who may prioritize business interests over public good. Musk’s close ties to the administration might dilute checks and balances, fostering an environment where decisions could favor corporate interests over citizens’ needs. Additionally, his unorthodox approach may lead to unpredictability in policies, which can create instability both domestically and in international relations.
Time.news Editor: Provocative insights, Dr. Thompson. It’ll be interesting to see how this unfolds. Thank you for your time today!
Dr. Jane Thompson: Thank you for having me! I look forward to discussing this dynamic situation further as developments occur.