NAIROBI (CoinChapter.com)— Former U.S. President Donald Trump said he would consider appointing Tesla CEO Elon Musk to a Cabinet position if he wins the 2024 election. Trump made this statement during an interview with Reuters on Aug. 19 after a campaign event in York, Pennsylvania.
He also expressed his intention to reassess the $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicles (EVs), signaling a potential rollback of current policies.
Trump’s remarks suggest a potential rollback of EV incentives expanded under President Joe Biden in 2022. While Trump hasn’t made final decisions, he supports a diverse vehicle market, including gasoline, hybrid, and electric options.
He questioned the sustainability of the EV market due to concerns about cost and battery range.
Elon Musk’s Potential Role in Trump Administration
The possibility of Elon Musk joining Trump’s Cabinet or serving as an advisor has gained attention, particularly after Musk endorsed Trump last month. Trump has not specified which department Musk might lead, but Musk’s expertise could align with energy, transportation, and commerce roles.
Trump’s consideration of Musk reflects his broader strategy of involving business leaders in his administration. The move comes as Trump also signals opposition to Biden’s EV-focused policies, advocating for a more balanced approach that includes traditional vehicles alongside electric ones.
Adding to the intrigue, Musk recently ran a poll on X. He asked followers who they would vote for in the upcoming election. The unscientific poll has drawn nearly 1 million votes with 22 hours remaining. Currently, Trump leads with 78.8% of the votes against Vice President Kamala Harris.
Trump’s Economic and Trade Policy
Donald Trump plans to impose tariffs on vehicles produced in Mexico by major automakers. He argues that Mexico is “stealing our car industry.”
The proposed tariffs aim to encourage domestic production. However, Trump is open to international automakers building plants in the U.S., provided they employ American workers.
Trump also criticized Alphabet’s Google, though he stopped short of calling for its breakup. He described the tech giant operating like the “Wild West” and suggested it should face penalties.
Regarding TikTok, Trump acknowledged the challenges of banning the app, citing concerns about free speech. He suggested that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, might sell its U.S. assets to comply with a law that sets a Jan. 19, 2025, deadline for divestment.
