'Secretary of Cost-Cutting': Trump Hints Elon Musk Could Play Key Role in Second Administration

New Delhi:  Former US President Donald Trump hinted that Tesla CEO; Elon Musk could play a significant role in his second administration if elected with an interview with a leading media outlet.  

Trump praised Musk as a "great business guy" and an expert in cost-cutting, revealing that the billionaire had expressed interest in an unconventional department i.e. reducing government expenses without harming services.

"He's a great business guy, and he's a great cost-cutter," he said during an interview with a media outlet. "And he [Musk] said, ‘I could cut costs without affecting anybody.’"

Trump also clarified that while Musk wasn’t interested in a Cabinet position, he was keen on a new role focused on slashing federal spending.

"We'll have a new position: Secretary of Cost-Cutting. Elon wants to do that," Trump said, acknowledging Musk's busy schedule. "He's running a big business. He can't just say, 'I think I'll go into the Cabinet.' Other people can, but Elon's a little bit different in that sense."

Apart from cost-cutting, Musk’s ambitions land beyond Earth.

Trump revealed that Musk had promised to get humans to Mars before the end of Trump’s potential second term, an achievement he hoped would come before efforts from China or Russia.

"He's made me a promise to get to Mars before the end of my administration, which will be long before, hopefully, China or Russia," Trump said.

Trump tied this to his previous establishment of the Space Force in 2019, which he described as crucial for U.S. dominance in space.

"Space Force is now going to be one of our most important things. We were getting killed in space by China and Russia, and now we’re leading in space," Trump highlighted.

Musk made an appearance at a recent Trump campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania. Donning a "MAGA" hat and a t-shirt reading "Occupy Mars," Musk's presence drew significant attention.

"This is no ordinary election," Musk said, claiming, "The other side wants to take away your freedom of speech."

The US Presidential election is set to take place on the 5 November 2024.