What policy?
However, let’s not be mistaken. Musk has not allied himself with Trump because he shares his ideas as much as out of pure interest. By slipping into the role of advisor, he will be able to whisper new legislation on mobility directly into the ear of the President. A President whose tendency he knows well to direct his decisions towards his “friends”, whom he could therefore guide as he wishes according to his own interests.
We are thinking in particular of the policy of electrification of the American market, to which Trump and his followers were fiercely opposed, before Musk supported his candidacy. But also to the 100% customs duties applied to vehicles produced in China decided under the current government, which angers Beijing. Elon Musk could convince him to repeal (or lighten) this highly protectionist measure to prevent Tesla from reprisals on the Chinese market, which is so important for the manufacturer. On the other hand, vehicles imported from other countries (including Europe) could be hit more heavily in the future. Finally, we can imagine that Musk and Trump will be able to agree on tailor-made specifications when it comes to awarding an electric vehicle market, or reviewing the criteria for granting purchase bonuses such as in allocates the government of Joe Biden.
We are not there yet, and we will undoubtedly have to wait to know the extent of Musk’s real responsibilities and powers in this Trump government. But one thing is certain: the whimsical CEO of Tesla is today more powerful than ever.
