Elon Musk's presence in the Oval Office during President Donald Trump's second term has sparked curiosity and speculation. Contrary to popular belief, this was not Musk's first visit to the iconic room. The tone of his inaugural meeting, which occurred five years prior, diverged significantly from the recent media portrayal of camaraderie between Musk and Sean Hannity.
The First Encounter
In a little-known account, Musk journeyed to Washington just before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in the U.S. His objective? To discuss the establishment of a Tesla gigafactory in Mexico instead of Texas, a plan that had captured Trump's attention and prompted an invitation to the West Wing.
Prior to the formal meeting, Musk engaged in discussions with Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, and received hospitality from Tim Pataki, an influential figure in the White House Office of Public Liaison. During a private conversation overheard by a reliable source, Musk made a derogatory remark about Trump, referring to him as "a fucking moron."
Inside the Oval Office, tensions escalated as Musk compared the White House unfavorably to Chinese palaces, provoking a visibly irate response from Trump. The meeting unfolded with Trump asserting ownership of two Teslas, albeit with a revealing lack of familiarity with the intricacies of Tesla's supercharging network.
Unlikely Agreements
Surprisingly, amidst differing perspectives, Trump and Musk found common ground on the topic of Covid-19, both downplaying the severity of the pandemic. Their interaction underscored their shared skepticism towards the crisis, dismissing it as akin to a flu outbreak.
Notably, Musk's involvement in Trump's advisory councils in 2017 was marked by tension, culminating in his public resignation following Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accords. Subsequent exchanges between the two public figures revealed a mix of collaboration and conflict, with Trump criticizing Musk's business ventures and political affiliations.
Despite their differences, Musk emerged as a significant benefactor of Trump's presidential campaign in 2024, solidifying his position as a trusted confidant. This unexpected alliance exemplifies their pragmatic approach to relationships and decision-making, rooted in mutual interests and strategic calculations.
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