AiBotFormer US President Donald Trump has recently weighed in on his relationship with Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, who recently surpassed a trillion-dollar net worth milestone. In a CNBC interview, Trump discussed his thoughts on Musk’s accomplishment and their personal connection. Trump stated that, although he has not directly spoken with Musk since he became a trillionaire, he did reach out to congratulate him.
“I haven’t spoken to Elon since he became a trillionaire,” Trump said. “But I did write him a note. I said, ‘Congratulations, very good.’ He still likes me.” Trump implied that their relationship remains positive despite the lack of communication.
Trump also mentioned that he believes he played a significant role in the current state of the electric vehicle industry. He mentioned that a federal electric vehicle mandate, which he claimed to have implemented, has contributed to the growth of the industry.
“Did you know I did a little thing called the electric mandate?” Trump asked. “It’s called the electric mandate. And let me tell you, it’s been incredibly successful.” Trump’s claim about the electric vehicle mandate’s impact appears to be inconsistent with historical records. When questioned about this, Trump provided no specific details on the mandate, leading to further confusion.
The federal electric vehicle mandate was actually a regulation implemented by the Biden administration in 2021. The rule requires all new light-duty vehicles sold in the US to have an electric drive option starting in 2032. It is unclear whether Trump ever implemented a similar policy as president.
Musk’s net worth has surpassed $1 trillion, driven largely by the value of Tesla stock, which has experienced significant growth in recent years. This remarkable milestone has further solidified Elon Musk’s position as one of the most influential figures in the tech industry.
While Trump’s comments about his relationship with Musk may provide some insight into their personal connection, they largely remain anecdotal and unclear. Trump’s boast about influencing the electric vehicle mandate highlights potential inconsistencies in his narrative on the issue.
As the world continues to grapple with the complexities of electric vehicle adoption, experts remain divided on the effectiveness of regulatory measures on the market. This debate is likely to continue in the coming years, especially given the rapidly evolving landscape of the tech and automotive sectors.