Elon Musk is unlikely to work for a Donald Trump administration due to potential conflicts of interest. Musk’s $245 billion fortune is tied up in shares of Tesla, SpaceX, and other business interests, making it difficult for him to divest these holdings or put them in a blind trust without affecting their value. Richard Briffault, a professor at Columbia Law School, noted that it would be challenging for Musk to find a government role that does not relate to his economic interests.
Despite the challenges Musk would face in a government role, both he and Trump have teased the idea of him serving in an advisory or Cabinet role if Trump were to be reelected. Musk responded cryptically to Trump’s comments by stating he is “willing to serve,” with a reference to the Department of Government Efficiency. The speculation about Musk’s potential government appointment increased after he publicly endorsed Trump and discussed the possibility in an interview on X.
If Musk were to pursue a government role, he would have to navigate Senate approval and potential divestitures of securities related to his businesses, similar to previous executives entering public office. However, the biggest challenge for Musk may come from Wall Street, as Tesla shareholders are already frustrated with his distractions from running the company. Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities expressed concerns about the impact of Musk’s potential Cabinet position on Tesla investors and emphasized the importance of Musk staying focused on Tesla.
While Musk’s entry into a Trump administration may seem far-fetched, the unpredictable nature of both Musk and Trump leaves the possibility open. Musk’s willingness to serve and Trump’s interest in having him in a government role suggest a potential partnership, despite the legal and ethical complications involved. The uncertainty surrounding Musk’s future and the impact on Tesla investors adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as the two influential figures continue to hint at the idea of a collaboration.
