Elon Musk's presence in the Oval Office during President Trump's second term has raised eyebrows and sparked curiosity among onlookers. However, what many don't know is that this wasn't Musk's first visit to this prestigious location.
The First Encounter
The tone of Musk's initial meeting with Trump, which took place five years ago, was vastly different from the recent lighthearted interaction captured by Sean Hannity on Fox News.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic swept the nation in 2020, Musk journeyed to Washington to discuss the possibility of constructing a Tesla gigafactory in Mexico rather than Texas. Trump, intrigued by the proposal, extended an invitation to Musk to meet at the West Wing.
Prior to the official meeting, Musk and a colleague engaged with Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, and were later greeted by Tim Pataki, an assistant to the president. In a private conversation overheard by a bystander, Musk made disparaging remarks about Trump, referring to him as 'a fucking moron.'
During the encounter in the Oval Office, Trump boasted about owning two Teslas, although his limited knowledge of the vehicles became apparent when discussions turned to Tesla's supercharging network. Despite their differences, both men shared skepticism towards the severity of the Covid-19 pandemic, dismissing it as 'basically the flu.'
Conflicting Alliances
Musk's involvement in various Trump advisory councils in 2017, including the Manufacturing Jobs Initiative and the Strategic and Policy Forum, underscored a tumultuous relationship. When Trump announced the withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accords, Musk publicly denounced the decision.
In a surprising turn of events, Trump later criticized Musk for his business ventures, including his acquisition of Twitter and alleged political preferences. However, this animosity shifted when Musk emerged as a significant financial supporter of Trump's 2024 presidential campaign.
Ultimately, the dynamic between Musk and Trump exemplifies a pragmatic approach to relationships, driven by strategic calculations and mutual benefits.
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