US Senator Elizabeth Warren has called on Donald Trump’s transition team to hold Elon Musk to the same ethics standards as other transition members. Musk, who has invested heavily in companies like Tesla and SpaceX, has been advising Trump since his endorsement in July.
Warren argues that Musk’s private interests pose a significant conflict of interest with his role as an unofficial co-president. She notes that the American public has no way of knowing whether Musk’s advice is good for the country or just benefiting his own interests.
Musk serves on a newly created advisory body, not part of the US government, but still faces enormous conflicts and needs to be subject to similar ethics standards, Warren says. The Trump transition team notes that Trump has stepped away from his business to focus on his presidential campaign.
However, experts warn that Musk’s investments in early-stage industries could give him an advantage if regulatory changes are made. Past presidents have enlisted industrialists for efficiency commissions, but this is different due to the potential impact on sectors and Musk’s companies.
The Trump transition team has issued an ethics pledge, but critics argue that it does not go far enough. Experts like Walter Shaub, former director of the Office of Government Ethics, fear that Musk’s role could endanger national security and public safety.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-senator-warren-says-trump-needs-hold-musk-ethics-standards-2024-12-17