The billionaire entrepreneur who needs no introduction, Elon Musk, has stated categorically that he will not run for president of the United States. Then again, he has kept his options for political office non-existent. Although born in Africa, he has an American grandfather so he cannot be president based on the laws of the country. Asides from legalities, however, Musk does not have the slightest interest in occupying any political office. His goals are those of constructing rockets, making electric vehicles, and pursuing technological advancements focusing on outer space and renewable energy.
Musk has always sought to reach new heights with technologies. In his opinion, space travel is something that everyone should accept as possible and his work is towards that goal. For instance, through Tesla, Musk has revolutionized the electric car market by popularizing and improving the accessibility of electric cars. He has also gone ahead and explored the space in commercial grounds with SpaceX, where he is carrying out private ventures that were previously reserved to government agencies. Building technology that has the potential to impact lives and change the world is much more fascinating to Musk as compared to engaging in any politics.
Although Musk does not wish to hold political office, he has become a prominent figure in politics recently. He has been outspoken about some of his opinions and, at times, even endorses certain policies/candidates including president Donald Trump. According to Musk, he recently said that he would be open to the idea of assisting Trump on his governmental turnaround proposal if Trump was to reclaim the presidency. This is why Musk is prepared to help but does not seek office. He wishes to curb what he considers an imprudent expense by the government. Musk says that he would turn into this position for a short time and wishes to get back to technocentric activity in as short a time as possible.
Musk believes that accomplishing a strong, functional government is imperative for the survival and development of America, which he perceives as important for all people. Otherwise, Musk contends, in the event of an American fall from prominence, the outcome would be bleak for everybody. This point of view is part of the reason why Musk at times raises his voice on certain issues of a political nature even though he aspires for no involvement in politics of such magnitude.
Recently Trump proposed a plan to set up a commission on government waste and management in his next term. This commission would be responsible for examining the expenditures and operations of the US government and finding recommendations to make it better. Trump mused that Mask would be a good candidate to head this organization as he has had vast experience of perfecting private companies such as Tesla and SpaceX. Musk replied by saying that he would be prepared to do this job free of charge and acknowledgment for the reason that it is necessary for the country’s future.
Musk’s vision on the efficiency of government applies to his aspirations throughout his life, as well as his utopian outlook on the role of technology and innovation in building a better society. Actually, his activities have been and are even more concerned with the government, in particular, through contracts with such agencies as NASA, as well as in the context of the clean energy policies in which he has positioned Tesla. For these reasons, and many others, he has become a very controversial figure in America today, regarded as someone who controls the nation’s destiny in technology, energy, and even space.
Finally, it is evident that based on recent remarks, Musk believes that innovation and good politics should all go hand in hand for the United States to stay relevant. He may not be a political figure, but will stand behind those actions which he believes are parallel with the future that he wants for the country.
