The Briefing with Jen Psaki Musk inadvertently gives away the game in spat with Trump
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Jun 6, 2025 This week, Norm Eisen, former ethics czar in the Obama White House and head of the Democracy Defender Fund, joins the conversation. He delves into the fiery feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, highlighting Musk's admission of a transactional relationship with Trump regarding elections. They explore how this power struggle could impact governmental functions and business practices. Eisen also raises ethical concerns surrounding regulatory dynamics and political retaliation, offering critical insights into the intertwining of tech influence and governance.
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Musk's Transactional Support for Trump
- Elon Musk admitted his support for Donald Trump was transactional, implying he spent hundreds of millions to get Trump reelected.
- This reveals the political influence billionaires can wield through financial backing and demands for reciprocity.
Feud Risks Government Services
- Elon Musk and Donald Trump's feud threatens critical government reliance on Musk's companies like SpaceX and Starlink.
- Abrupt service cessation could disrupt U.S. government operations and global internet access, especially in Ukraine.
Musk's Government Ties and Risks
- Musk benefited financially from government contracts during his White House tenure while regulatory scrutiny of his companies declined.
- Trump's potential retaliation could weaponize regulatory agencies against Musk business interests, emphasizing conflict of interest risks.