Former President Donald Trump is considering appointing Tesla CEO Elon Musk to a commission aimed at auditing U.S. agencies, a move that could significantly impact the 2024 presidential election. This plan, which has been under discussion for months, involves a commission led by business executives to review federal programs and identify areas for cuts, according to a report by The Washington Post.
Musk himself confirmed his interest in the commission on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, “I can’t wait. There is a lot of waste and needless regulation in government that needs to go.” Other potential members of the commission include Fred Smith, former CEO of FedEx, and Robert Nardelli, former CEO of Home Depot.
Musk’s potential involvement has raised eyebrows due to his extensive business dealings with the federal government. Ethics experts are concerned that his participation could lead to conflicts of interest between his business interests and the commission’s goals. While Trump has downplayed the idea of Musk joining his Cabinet, he acknowledged Musk’s potential value as a consultant.
The idea of enlisting prominent corporate leaders to review government spending echoes past initiatives by former President Ronald Reagan and the late Republican Senator Tom Coburn. Trump’s advisors are hoping to leverage these figures to identify areas where federal spending can be trimmed.
This potential appointment comes amidst Musk’s growing political engagement. He recently hired a Republican strategist to steer his political activities, signaling a deeper dive into Republican politics and voter mobilization initiatives. In August, Musk conducted a poll on X, asking voters to choose between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris as the next president, further highlighting his involvement in political discourse.
Speculations regarding the reasons behind the collaboration between Musk and Trump have been rife. Some believe their partnership could significantly impact the future of the electric vehicle industry and beyond. Trump has publicly praised Musk, calling him a “fantastic guy” and a “brilliant person,” solidifying their growing alliance. The appointment of Musk to this commission, if it happens, could have significant ramifications for both the political landscape and the future of federal programs in the United States.
