Former US President Donald Trump on Monday said that he would consider appointing Tesla CEO Elon Musk to his Cabinet if he wins the November election. “He’s a very smart guy. I certainly would, if he would do it. He’s a brilliant guy,” Trump told Reuters in an interview.
The tech billionaire responded quickly on social media, stating he was “willing to serve.” During the interview, Trump indicated he might reverse the $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicle purchases, which the Biden administration has promoted as part of its climate change agenda. Musk, who owns the social media platform X, has endorsed Trump and supported a super PAC backing the former US president’s campaign.
‘Dept of Govt Efficiency’
Last week, Trump and Musk held a two-hour discussion on X. During their conversation, Musk expressed a willingness to join a government commission focused on studying the national debt and revising Congressional spending. Notably, Musk posted an AI-generated picture of himself with a “Department of Government Efficiency” plaque on his speaking podium.
Last month, Musk publicly endorsed Trump in the US presidential race after the assassination attempt on the former president. This support came even as Trump could take steps to reverse Treasury Department rules that have made it easier for automakers to take advantage of the $7,500 credit and helped companies like Tesla. While president, Trump sought to repeal the EV tax credit which was later expanded by President Joe Biden in 2022.
‘Not making final decisions’
“I’m not making any final decisions on it,” Trump said of the EV tax credit. “I’m a big fan of electric cars, but I’m a fan of gasoline-propelled cars, and also hybrids and whatever else happens to come along.” He added that he would rescind the Biden administration rules that will prod automakers to build more EVs and plug-in hybrids to meet stricter emissions standards and said he sees a “much smaller market” for EVs because of cost and battery range issues.
Trump also said on Monday he would take steps to discourage exports of vehicles produced by the Detroit Three automakers and others from Mexico for U.S consumers by imposing new tariffs and would prevent Chinese automakers from building new plants in Mexico for U.S. market vehicles. He made similar threats during his presidency.
“If you put tariffs on those cars, they’re going to make it here” Trump said. “It’s very simple. It’s not complicated. If you tell Mexico, ‘look, you’re stealing our car industry,’ which they’re doing now.” However, Trump is open to Chinese and other automakers building vehicles in the United States. “We’re going to give incentives, and if China and other countries want to come here and sell the cars, they’re going to build plants here, and they’re going to hire our workers,” Trump said. “We will make our own cars. I want to make our own cars.”
