Elon Musk has made it clear that he intends to be a player in progressive politics—and Donald Trump called him a “new star” in his victory speech early Wednesday. That has some people wondering about the extent of Musk’s political ambitions.
“Let me tell you, we have a new star,” Trump said. “A star is born—Elon. He is an amazing man.”
Musk and Trump had an adversarial relationship during Trump’s first term, so whether they will remain as close for the next four years as they are now is anyone’s guess. But Trump’s blessing, along with Musk’s posting of a photo of himself entering the Oval Office and a bathroom sink prop gag he’s putting on Twitter’s offices in 2022 have raised questions about how deep into government Musk wants to go — and how far he actually goes. it can be go away. Here’s what you need to know.
Could Elon Musk run for president?
Did you run for president? Yes. Anyone can start a campaign. Do you work as a moderator? No.
The Constitution is clear that US presidents must be natural-born US citizens (and at least 35 years old and have been a US citizen for the past 14 years). There is a bit of a gray area when it comes to “natural birth,” however. John McCain, for example, was born in the Panama Canal Zone, but it was in a military zone (while his father was stationed there by the Navy), giving him natural birth status.
Musk is a non-native citizen, born in South Africa, so there is no gray area. He is also a citizen of Canada, thanks to his mother who was born in Canada. He received his US citizenship in 2002.
Could Elon Musk have a cabinet position?
Yes. Although presidents and vice presidents must be natural-born citizens, no other government officials have the same qualifications. So Musk could hold almost any other post.
Several natural-born citizens have held prominent cabinet positions in the past. The most famous of those were German-born Henry Kissinger, who was secretary of state in the Nixon and Ford administrations, and Madeleine Albright, secretary of state from 1997 to 2001, who was born in the Czech Republic. Former Labor Secretary Elaine Chao was born in Taiwan. In all, there were 23 Cabinet members born outside the US
It’s worth noting, however, that while Trump at one point said he would “definitely” consider giving Musk a cabinet position, he later amended that to say “he runs big businesses and all that, so he can’t really — I don’t.” i think you will be [free for] Cabinet.”
Will he have to give up ownership of his businesses to participate in the Trump administration?
Probably not. Public officials are required to file public financial disclosure reports in connection with their appointments—and the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) and agency ethics officers identify and resolve potential conflicts of interest. Generally, cabinet members will disassociate themselves from stock or other financial interests that may create a conflict. Trump, however, did not divest any of his businesses during his first term (although he did “give the reins to his older sons”), and is not expected to do so in his upcoming second term, despite criticism of a conflict of interest. And several cabinet members in Trump’s first administration have also been criticized for perceived conflicts, including Chao, and former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
Could Musk’s government contracts create a conflict of interest if he works in the Trump administration?
That depends on who you ask. Indeed, a case can be made that the extensive government contracts held by SpaceX (worth more than $4 billion) and its subsidiary Starlink (worth at least $1.8 billion) would present a conflict of interest in any role, if any, that Musk takes. and the Trump administration. But the most important decision about that comes from the Office of Government Ethics. The director of that office is appointed by the president and approved by the Senate (where Trump will have a majority of Republicans).
The House and Senate can initiate ethics hearings; but those are, more often than not, political theater rather than events of consequence.
Does Elon Musk need to be approved for his proposed role at the Department of Government Operations (DOGE)?
On the night of the election, Musk retweeted a photo he captioned the USA CTO. Trump has also repeatedly said he wants Musk to lead a “Department of Government Operations,” which will cut government spending. (Musk has said he thinks he can cut $2 billion—and his ax swing at Twitter, where 70% of workers were laid off, suggests he may be willing to be brutal in cutting costs. That could result in cuts to popular programs like health insurance, Medicare, and Social Security.)
There is no such department today, so if Musk does, in fact, lead the “DOGE,” he likely won’t have to go through a confirmation hearing with the Senate.
Will Elon Musk’s political committee remain active?
Musk’s America PAC used $118 million of Musk’s money to fund Trump’s campaign. And Musk has made it clear that he intends to continue in his role as chief. The political action committee “will continue to follow this election, and prepare for the midterms and any midterm elections,” Musk said live on X. America PAC will “aim to weigh heavily” in the midterm elections, he added.
That $118 million was well spent. Musk’s stake in Tesla has grown by $32.5 billion since markets closed on Election Day, as the stock price has fallen more than 20%.
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