Hey everybody. Welcome back to the Elon Musk
Podcast. This is a show where we discuss
the critical crossroads that shape SpaceX, Tesla X, The
Boring Company, and Neurolink. I'm your host, Will Walden.
So what role is Elon Musk playing in shaping US foreign
policy under Trump's incoming administration?
And how is Musk's outspoken support for controversial
political movements abroad affecting global relations?
Could Musk's extensive business interests pose conflicts of
interest as he moves closer to the center of power in the
United States? Elon sparked global controversy
this week calling for the resignation of German Chancellor
Olaf Scholes in the aftermath of a deadly attack at a Christmas
market in Magdeburg, Germany. Now Musk's statement, made on
his Platform X, criticize goals as an incompetent fool and
question the leadership of Europe's largest economy.
The attack, which involved a car ramming into a crowd, left at
least 2 dead and dozens injured, according to German officials.
Musk's remark immediately drew both condemnation and applause,
underscoring his increasingly polarizing role now.
Adding fuel to this fire, Musk also voiced support for
Germany's far right Alternative for Germany Afd party.
Only the Afd can save Germany. Musk set on X.
The FDA nationalist party with anti immigration policies, has
surged in German opinion polls but remains shunned by
mainstream parties. Germany is set to hold elections
on February 23rd following the collapse, which calls coalition
government and Musk's endorsement Miss Sparke heated
debate about foreign influence in domestic politics.
It declined to offer any further comment.
We reached out. We couldn't get a hold of them.
They wouldn't comment. This is not Musk's first foray
into European politics. Last year, he harshly criticized
Germany's handling of migration issues and more recently called
for the dismissal of Italian judges over rulings that
questions the legality of government measures against
irregular immigration. These instances shows that Elon
Musk has broader alignment with far right movements in Europe,
further polarizing public opinion, but his involvement in
global political affairs. Back in the United States,
Musk's proximity to president-elect Donald Trump and
his apparent influence on the incoming administration have
alarmed everybody on the left. Since November, Musk has been a
regular fixture at Trump's Mar A Lago estate, attending meetings
with foreign leaders and playing a prominent role in
international discussions. Notably, Musk accompanied Trump
on his first post election foreign trip to Paris, where he
met President Emmanuel Macron during the ceremonial reopening
of Notre Dame. He has also praised Italy's
Prime Minister Georgia Malani, calling her a precious genius in
public remarks at a black tie event in New York.
Now, perhaps most concerning to critics was Musk's participation
in Trump's initial call with Ukrainian President Vladimir
Zelensky after the election. Now, such instances have raised
question to most Musk's potential to shape US foreign
policy, given his extensive global business interest,
particularly in China. The Tesla, Musk's electric
vehicle company, as we all know, operates a massive Gigafactory
in Shanghai and relies heavily on the Chinese market, which
accounts for a substantial portion of its production and
sales. Musk's ties to Chinese President
Xi Jinping, with whom he reportedly dined during XI's
2023 US visit, have deepened suspicions of potential
conflicts of interest. Concerns are particularly
heightened by Musk's $15 billion in federal contracts, including
with NASA and the Pentagon, which depend on SpaceX for
rocket launches and Starling satellite services critical to
U.S. military operations. The Pentagon is reportedly
investigating whether Musk has adhered to disclosure
requirements related to his top secret security clearance, which
mandates reporting meetings with foreign officials.
Musk's defenders, though, however, argue that his close
ties to Trump represent a bold opportunity to streamline
government and improve efficiency.
Brian Hughes, a spokesman for Trump's transition team,
dismissed concerns over Musk's potential conflicts of interest,
describing him as a What's in a Generation Business leader whose
ideas could benefit federal bureaucracy.
Now, Musk's prospective role in recommending major cuts to
government jobs has further fueled debate, with critics
warning of the ethical risks tied to his dual role as a
businessman and informal policy maker.
Now on Capitol Hill, skepticism is mounting.
Outgoing Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben
Cardin criticized Musk's involvement, stating his
association with the president-elect has already
profited him. A question whether Musk's
private dealings in China and everywhere else could compromise
his objectivity in advising Trump on foreign policy.
They said I don't want a transactional person who's going
into a country to see if he can make a deal.
Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, speaking cautiously on
the matter, emphasized the importance of maintaining a
smooth transition to power, though did not directly address
Musk's role, but acknowledged it that communications between the
outgoing and incoming administrations are essential
for ensuring stability. But Musk's presence in these
high level interactions, coupled with his outspoken support for
some far righter movements, sparked unease among both
domestic and international observers.
Now in the UK, Musk similarly made waves by criticizing Prime
Minister Kier Starman, labeling Britain a tyrannical police
state and endorsing calls for a new election.
His comments came amid escalating tensions in the
country following days of far right violence.
Musk further stoked controversy by promoting a video from a
jailed far right activist and predicting that the country was
on the brink of civil war. Musk's global reach, bolstered
by his vast wealth and high profile business ventures, has
allowed him to amplify his political opinions in ways that
few private citizens have ever done.
This influence was on full display in the United States
earlier this month when Musk played a key role in derailing a
funding bill. Some Republicans, impressed by
Musk's political maneuvering, have even suggested he should be
made speaker of the House. However, critics worry that Musk
is assuming an unofficial role akin to a shadow president,
raising thorny questions about the concentration of power and
integrity of democratic governance.
But despite the controversy, Musk shows no signs of
retreating from his political advocacy.
On Friday, Nigel Farage, the leader of Britain's right wing
Reform UK party, revealed that he had met with Musk at Trump's
Florida residents to discuss financial support for the party.
The post, which included a photo of himself with Musk, fueled
speculation about the billionaire's intentions to fund
far right movements worldwide. But Musk influence will continue
to grow. His actions continued to blur
the lines between business and politics, and its detractors
argue that his dual role as a global entrepreneur and
political advisor presents unprecedented ethical
challenges, while supporters hail him as a disruptor capable
of bringing fresh perspectives to governance.
Whether Musk's moves will yield positive change or further
Discord remains to be seen, but the scrutiny surrounding his
every move weights on his growing impact on the global
stage. Speaking of Discord, I want to
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