WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren has called on Donald Trump’s transition team to impose ethics standards on billionaire Elon Musk, citing potential conflicts of interest stemming from Musk’s private ventures and his close relationship with the incoming president.
In a letter released on December 17, Warren raised concerns over Musk’s role as co-chair of Trump’s newly formed “Department of Government Efficiency,” a non-government advisory body. She argued that Musk’s extensive business interests, including Tesla, SpaceX, and the social media platform X, create “a massive conflict of interest” with his advisory role, which she described as being akin to an “unofficial co-president.”
“Currently, the American public has no way of knowing whether the advice that he is whispering to you in secret is good for the country—or merely good for his own bottom line,” Warren wrote.
Musk, a vocal Trump supporter who endorsed the former president in July and reportedly spent over $250 million on Trump’s campaign, has not formally joined the government, insulating him from federal ethics laws. Warren’s letter demanded that Musk be held to the same standards as official transition team members, who must abide by a November ethics pledge to avoid conflicts of interest.
Scrutiny Over Potential Conflicts
Critics warn that Musk’s influence could shape policies to benefit his businesses. Tesla, for example, opposes a federal car-crash reporting rule that the Trump transition team reportedly seeks to repeal. Danielle Brian, executive director of the Project on Government Oversight, noted that Musk’s industries—such as electric vehicles and space exploration—are in developmental stages, and government decisions could give his companies significant advantages.
Trump’s transition team has defended Musk’s appointment, emphasizing the incoming president’s commitment to efficiency and reform. “President Trump removed himself from his multi-billion-dollar real estate empire to run for office and became the first president to lose net worth while in the White House,” spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.
In an interview with Time magazine on December 12, Trump dismissed concerns about Musk’s potential conflicts, stating: “I think that Elon puts the country long before his company.”
Musk’s Sweeping Influence
Musk’s advisory group has proposed dramatic restructuring of federal agencies, including reducing government spending and potentially eliminating thousands of jobs. Observers worry that Musk’s influence in the administration could present risks to national security and public safety, especially if his financial interests intersect with regulatory decisions.
Walter Shaub, a former director of the Office of Government Ethics, criticized Musk’s involvement, claiming it prioritizes private gain over public welfare. “Taxpayers should lament their money going to serve Musk’s interests instead of the interests of the American people,” Shaub said.
Musk’s role in shaping the Trump administration’s policies is likely to continue fueling debates over ethics and transparency, with calls for greater oversight intensifying.