Trump Pledges No Special Treatment for Musk Amid Corporate Rivalries

President-elect Donald Trump has made it clear that even his allies in business will not receive special treatment under his administration. In an interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker on Meet The Press, Trump emphasized his commitment to impartiality, including toward tech billionaire Elon Musk, who was the largest donor during the 2024 election.

When asked if he would favor Musk over his competitors, such as Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Trump dismissed the notion. “No, Jeff Bezos called me. We’re having dinner,” he said. Trump also mentioned recent meetings with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, underscoring his willingness to engage with leaders across industries. “I’m having dinner with everybody. People like me now, you know? It’s something going on.”

Trump’s remarks highlight his approach to balancing personal relationships with professional governance. Musk’s financial backing during the campaign may have cemented his role as an ally, but Trump’s message was clear: personal contributions will not translate into preferential treatment.

• “No special favors for Musk or anyone else.”

• Highlighted meetings with leaders like Bezos and Zuckerberg.

• Emphasized that business decisions will serve the American public.

Trump’s meetings with influential figures from Silicon Valley and beyond signal his intent to foster collaboration without favoritism. By engaging leaders like Musk, Bezos, and Zuckerberg, Trump aims to create an environment that promotes economic growth while ensuring fair competition.

As Trump prepares to take office, his administration will face scrutiny over how it navigates relationships with corporate giants, especially as policies affecting technology, commerce, and innovation take center stage. Trump’s vow to treat all leaders equally sends a strong message: his administration will prioritize the interests of the nation over personal alliances.

Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on economic policy and industry developments under the Trump administration.