Musk endorses Howard Lutnick over Scott Bessent for Treasury secretary; features a proposal for Musk to average a web based public debate between the pair.
Elon Musk’s rising affect in President-elect Donald Trump’s transition group was on full show on Saturday as he publicly endorsed Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, for Treasury secretary, thrusting the normally personal Cupboard choice course of into the social media highlight.
“Can be fascinating to listen to extra folks weigh in on this for @realDonaldTrump to contemplate suggestions,” Musk wrote, tagging Trump in his put up. “My view [for what it’s worth] is that Bessent is a business-as-usual selection, whereas @howardlutnick will really enact change. Enterprise-as-usual is driving America bankrupt, so we want change a technique or one other.”
Musk’s put up ignited a flurry of reactions on X. Some critics labeled Lutnick as too disruptive, warning he would possibly take a “cowboy’s method” to managing the Treasury. Others praised Lutnick as a daring thinker and able to driving innovation.
The thought of a public debate on X between Lutnick and Bessent, floated by some customers, gained traction after Musk signaled his willingness to average such an occasion. Billionaire investor Invoice Ackman referred to as the proposal a “good thought.”
Musk’s choice to highlight the Treasury secretary race to his 200 million-plus followers underscored his rising affect in Trump’s interior circle. Whereas some media shops have framed his involvement as overreach, citing nameless sources near Trump, the president-elect has publicly embraced Musk’s presence. “He likes this place. I can’t get him out of right here!” Trump joked not too long ago about Musk’s frequent visits to Mar-a-Lago.
The Treasury secretary is without doubt one of the most crucial roles within the federal authorities, overseeing the nation’s funds, issuing debt, and shaping fiscal coverage.
Different names reportedly into consideration embody former U.S. Commerce Consultant Robert Lighthizer and Trump adviser Larry Kudlow.
Whereas the Treasury secretary stays probably the most high-profile financial function to be stuffed, different important Cupboard posts, together with secretary of Commerce and administrator of the Small Enterprise Administration, are anticipated to be introduced within the coming week.
Trump’s nominees thus far embody Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) for nationwide safety adviser, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) for secretary of state, former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) for director of nationwide intelligence, Fox Information host and veteran Pete Hegseth as secretary of protection, and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as secretary of homeland safety.
All Cupboard positions require Senate affirmation.