Elon Musk Pushes for Public Input on Trump’s Treasury Pick

Elon Musk Pushes for Public Input on Trump’s Treasury Pick \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Elon Musk, billionaire entrepreneur and key Trump ally, is urging public participation in selecting the next Treasury Secretary. Musk endorsed Howard Lutnick, a pro-change candidate, over Scott Bessent, a traditional pick. As President-elect Trump finalizes his cabinet, the Treasury post remains a focal point for debate, signaling the stakes of his economic agenda.

Elon Musk’s Treasury Push: Quick Looks

• Public Participation: Musk calls for citizen input on the Treasury Secretary selection, a departure from usual closed-door deliberations.
• Endorsement for Change: Musk backs Howard Lutnick, citing his reformist mindset over Scott Bessent’s conventional approach.
• Pro-Crypto Agenda: Lutnick champions Bitcoin as a tool for paying taxes, contrasting Bessent’s skepticism toward cryptocurrency.
• Kennedy Joins the Debate: Health and Human Services Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also endorses Lutnick, praising his crypto-forward stance.
• Cabinet Gaps Remain: While Trump has named picks for key roles like Secretary of State, Treasury remains undecided.

Deep Look

President-elect Donald Trump is deep in the process of assembling his new cabinet, a critical phase for any incoming administration. Among the roles yet to be finalized, the Treasury Secretary position has emerged as the centerpiece of debate, with two leading candidates—Howard Lutnick and Scott Bessent—vying for the influential role.

Amidst this backdrop, Elon Musk, a key Trump ally and billionaire entrepreneur, has called for public participation in deciding who should lead the Treasury Department. Musk’s approach reflects a significant departure from traditional closed-door deliberations, emphasizing the need for transparency and public engagement in shaping the nation’s economic future.

Musk’s Public Call for Input

On Saturday, Musk took to his social media platform X, proposing a novel idea: allowing the public to weigh in on the Treasury Secretary choice. As a co-leader of Trump’s commission on government efficiency, Musk’s advocacy carries weight within Trump’s circle.

“Would be interesting to hear more people weigh in on this for @realDonaldTrump to consider feedback,” Musk posted. He then endorsed Howard Lutnick, CEO of financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, over hedge fund manager Scott Bessent, casting his vote in the public poll he proposed.

Musk made his case clearly: “Bessent is a business-as-usual choice, whereas @howardlutnick will actually enact change. Business-as-usual is driving America bankrupt, so we need change.”

The Candidates: Change vs. Conventionality

Howard Lutnick, Musk’s preferred choice, has positioned himself as a disruptor. Known for his advocacy of cryptocurrency, Lutnick has even suggested that Bitcoin could be integrated into the tax system, a bold proposal that signals his willingness to challenge conventional financial norms.

Scott Bessent, by contrast, represents a safer, more traditional pick. A seasoned hedge fund manager, Bessent is skeptical of cryptocurrency and is viewed as a business-friendly candidate who aligns with established economic policies.

This ideological divide between the candidates has fueled intense debate. Supporters of Lutnick argue that his innovative ideas are necessary to address systemic issues in the U.S. financial system. Critics, however, warn that his crypto-forward approach could introduce volatility into an already precarious economy.

Kennedy Weighs In

Adding to the intrigue, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, publicly endorsed Lutnick. On his own X account, Kennedy praised Bitcoin as the “currency of freedom” and a hedge against inflation for middle-class Americans. “Bitcoin will have no stronger advocate than Howard Lutnick,” Kennedy wrote, albeit misspelling Lutnick’s name.

Kennedy’s endorsement highlights the growing prominence of cryptocurrency in Trump’s economic discussions. As Bitcoin and other digital currencies gain traction among conservative circles, the Treasury Secretary selection could set a precedent for how the administration approaches crypto regulation and integration.

Trump’s Cabinet Appointments So Far

While the Treasury role remains undecided, Trump has already announced several high-profile cabinet picks. Florida Senator Marco Rubio has been named Secretary of State, while former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz has been tapped for Attorney General.

These choices reflect Trump’s continued alignment with staunch conservatives and loyal allies. However, the remaining vacancies—most notably Treasury, Education, and Labor—signal that internal deliberations are ongoing, with significant stakes for each decision.

Musk’s Growing Influence in Trump’s Orbit

Elon Musk’s involvement in the Treasury debate underscores his growing influence in Trump’s inner circle. As a co-leader of Trump’s government efficiency commission and one of the most prominent figures in business and technology, Musk has become a key voice in shaping the administration’s priorities.

His endorsement of Lutnick aligns with his broader advocacy for innovation and reform. Musk’s criticism of “business-as-usual” reflects a shared ethos with Trump’s disruptive political style, further cementing their alliance.

The Role of Treasury Secretary

The Treasury Secretary wields significant influence over the nation’s economic policies, from managing federal debt to overseeing financial regulations and international trade. Whoever fills the role will play a crucial part in implementing Trump’s economic agenda, which emphasizes deregulation, tax cuts, and potentially integrating cryptocurrency into the financial system.

Musk’s call for public engagement in this decision highlights the importance of the role and its implications for the broader economy. By championing a candidate like Lutnick, Musk is advocating for a more radical approach to economic leadership, one that aligns with his own reformist ideals.

Trump’s Weekend in the Spotlight

As cabinet deliberations continue, Trump spent the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, hosting Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and attending high-profile events. On Saturday night, Trump traveled to Madison Square Garden in New York to watch the UFC heavyweight championship fight between Stipe Miocic and Jon Jones.

Trump’s longstanding relationship with UFC President Dana White was on full display. The two have been close allies for over two decades, with White frequently appearing alongside Trump at campaign events and Republican conventions.

This mix of political and personal engagements highlights Trump’s ability to maintain a strong public presence while navigating the complexities of cabinet formation.

Looking Ahead

The decision on who will lead the Treasury Department remains a pivotal moment for Trump’s administration. With figures like Musk pushing for change and candidates like Lutnick championing bold ideas, the outcome could significantly influence the trajectory of U.S. economic policy.

As Trump finalizes his cabinet, the public debate initiated by Musk may signal a shift toward greater transparency and participation in governance. Whether this trend continues or remains a one-off experiment, it underscores the high stakes and intense scrutiny surrounding Trump’s return to the White House.

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