Billionaire investor Mark Cuban cautioned Tesla CEO Elon Musk against forming an alliance with former President Donald Trump, warning that Trump may not repay his political debts. Cuban’s message was in response to Musk amplifying conspiracy theories about Democrats encouraging immigration into battleground states to win elections. Musk’s endorsement of Trump is a reversal from 2022 when he openly insulted the former president on social media. Cuban, an outspoken surrogate for Vice President Kamala Harris, believes Trump may not follow through on any exchange for support from Musk.
Both Cuban and Musk are eyeing some level of regulatory control, with Cuban supporting Harris’s economic agenda and Musk considering a government efficiency commission to crack down on federal spending if Trump wins a second term. Cuban has expressed interest in a potential job opportunity at the Securities and Exchange Commission and has championed Harris as “better for business.” Musk has raised his hand to helm a government efficiency commission and has received endorsement from Trump for the idea, although the president suggested Musk might not have time for the job but could consult.
Cuban’s warning to Musk, as one billionaire to another, highlights the implicit bid for governmental favor that wealthy political supporters make when aligning with a presidential candidate. Cuban believes that Trump’s loyalty is only to himself, and he sees Musk’s endorsement as a risky move. Tesla CEO Musk, on the other hand, has floated the idea of a government efficiency commission to improve federal spending if Trump wins re-election. Trump has praised the idea and suggested Musk could lead it, although potential time constraints due to Musk’s multiple CEO roles were mentioned.
As the two billionaires navigate their political affiliations and potential government roles, they both have divergent views on the current presidential race. Cuban supports Harris and has expressed interest in a role at the SEC, emphasizing the need for change in the agency. Meanwhile, Musk supports Trump’s idea of a government efficiency commission and has offered to lead it, if time permits. Cuban has been vocal in his support for Harris, while Musk has shifted from openly criticizing Trump to considering a government role under the current administration’s proposal. The dynamic between the two billionaires highlights the complex interplay of business, politics, and personal relationships at the highest levels of power.
