Trump and Musk Discuss US Politics and Climate in Landmark Interview

Former US President Donald Trump and tech magnate Elon Musk engaged in a wide-ranging discussion on Monday during a live-streamed interview on Musk’s platform, X, formerly known as Twitter.

The conversation, which Trump’s campaign touted as the “interview of the century,” took place just three months before the upcoming US presidential election.

The interview, described by Musk as “unscripted with no limits on subject matter,” was anticipated to be a significant moment in the campaign season. Trump, who has returned to X after being banned in 2021, took the opportunity to promote his campaign and criticize key political figures, including US Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden.

During the conversation, Musk made a rare political endorsement, stating his support for Trump. He emphasized that the upcoming election represents a “critical juncture for the country,” expressing concern over the direction of the current administration. “You are the path to prosperity, and Kamala is the opposite,” Musk told Trump, marking a notable moment in the discussion.

Trump, in turn, seized the moment to attack Biden's leadership, particularly in relation to the Israel-Hamas conflict and the ongoing situation in Ukraine. He criticized Biden's mental acuity and decision-making, particularly on issues of national and international importance. “Biden is close to vegetable stage, in my opinion,” Trump quipped, continuing his longstanding critique of the current president.

On foreign policy, Trump reiterated his stance on the Ukraine conflict, arguing that the war could have been avoided had he been in office. He also reflected on his relationships with global leaders, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, highlighting his efforts to maintain peace during his presidency.

The interview also touched on climate change, with Musk and Trump differing in their views. While Musk advocated for sustainable energy, Trump defended the continued use of fossil fuels, particularly in manufacturing and energy production. However, both agreed on the potential of nuclear power as an underutilized green energy source.

The discussion, which attracted significant attention, ended with Trump thanking Musk for his endorsement, signaling a convergence of two influential figures as the 2024 election approaches.