Donald Trump Hints at Elon Musk's Big Role, Ask Him to Join Zelensky Call

After winning the U.S. presidential election, Donald Trump is busy taking congratulatory calls, and during a recent conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy , Trump handed the call to billionaire Elon Musk, according to a Ukrainian official familiar with the call.The source, who spoke anonymously as they weren’t authorized to discuss the call publicly, confirmed that while Zelenskyy and Musk did speak, Musk wasn’t on the line for the entire conversation on Wednesday. Trump reportedly passed his phone to Musk during the call, allowing Zelenskyy to personally thank the SpaceX CEO for supporting Ukraine with the Starlink satellite internet platform, which has been crucial for maintaining communication in war-affected areas.This surprising gesture by Trump highlights Musk’s close presence within Trump’s inner circle, with the president-elect even hinting that Musk could have a formal role in his administration, potentially focusing on improving government efficiency. However, Musk's close involvement has raised some eyebrows, especially considering the considerable government contracts SpaceX holds, bringing up possible conflicts of interest.The call came amid growing international attention on Trump's stance towards Russia and Ukraine, especially after Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Trump on his return to the Oval Office, calling his win a ‘courageous.’ Putin expressed Moscow's willingness to work closely with Trump, sparking curiosity and concern over how US relations with Russia and Ukraine might evolve under Trump’s administration.On the call with Zelenskyy, Trump reportedly reassured the Ukrainian president of his support for Ukraine but didn't delve into specifics during the 25-minute conversation. Meanwhile, Musk offered his continued support for Ukraine through the Starlink satellites, which have been critical in helping Ukrainian forces maintain communication lines on the frontlines. However, Musk's involvement has been met with mixed reactions, as he previously mocked Zelenskyy’s fundraising efforts on social media.Putin's remarks add an additional layer to the evolving narrative. During his first public comments since Trump's election victory, Putin described Trump’s handling of an assassination attempt earlier in July as that of “a real man.” Putin’s warm tone in congratulating Trump has caused some unease in Ukraine, where recent Russian advancements have heightened fears that Trump's administration might reduce U.S. support for Kyiv.Trump's engagement with Zelenskyy, coupled with his interactions with Musk, signals possible changes in the U.S. approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While Trump has pledged to support Ukraine, his open lines of communication with Putin and Musk's newfound prominence suggest that his administration may take a more nuanced stance on the issue.Historically, the U.S. has held a strict stance toward Russia since the Cold War era, with the relationship becoming increasingly strained over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Trump’s campaign rhetoric and interactions, like his conversation with Zelenskyy, are closely watched as they could signal shifts in US foreign policy.As Trump prepares to assume office on January 20, global attention remains fixed on his foreign policy directions, especially concerning the U.S.'s strong backing of Ukraine against Russian aggression, a stance that may shift under his leadership.

Advertisement

Donald Trump Hints at Elon Musk's Big Role, Ask Him to Join Zelensky Call

Trump’s engagement with Zelenskyy is under close watch, especially as he prepares to assume office on January 20.

Advertisement