Former U.S. President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk have made headlines with their interview on social media platform X, attracting over one million viewers.
The conversation was highly anticipated due to the pair’s previously frosty relationship. Musk once called Trump a “bullshit artist,” and Trump had expressed scepticism about Tesla’s electric vehicles.
Click and listen to the full episode below:
On today’s The Briefing, Bension Siebert and Sacha Barbour Gatt bring you the what-you-need-to-know wrap of what the pair said and how it might affect the 2024 US presidential race and the future of global democracy.
Assassination Attempt
Musk expressed his endorsement of Trump and asked about the recent assassination attempt against him. Trump described it as a painful experience. When Musk questioned the Secret Service, Trump replied, “They’re going to learn from this.” The former U.S. president also gave a particular shout-out to the female Secret Service agent who was among those protecting him immediately after the shooting.
Immigration
Trump claimed that illegal immigrants, particularly from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, pose significant threats. He urged for stringent border controls. “Who do you want on team America…let in people…who do you want on the team…immigrants are good hard-working people but some are not,” Trump said during the interview.
Foreign Policy
Trump criticised the current administration’s handling of global conflicts and suggested that strong leadership could deter adversaries like Russia and Iran. When talking about the election, Trump said: “People have not been intimidated by Biden, and they certainly won’t be by Harris.”
Economy
Trump criticised the current economic conditions and inflation, attributing them to government overspending. Musk supported this view and called for reduced government expenditure and a new commission to address economic inefficiencies. “We need to live within our means,” Elon said.
Climate Change
The pair also had a brief exchange on climate change. Musk advocated for sustainable tech without vilifying traditional industries, while Trump questioned the shift from “global warming” to “climate change.”
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