As President-elect Trump prepares to take office, an AI advocacy group is urging the incoming administration to appoint Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, as a special advisor on artificial intelligence (AI). Americans for Responsible Innovation (ARI) launched the petition on Monday, highlighting Musk’s unique contributions to AI as both an entrepreneur and a thought leader.
“As artificial intelligence races ahead, the U.S. should lead the world in advancing AI safely and securely,” reads ARI’s petition.
“No one is better equipped to help the Trump Administration make America lead on AI than Elon Musk.” Stated Trump.
ARI’s petition emphasizes Musk’s dual commitment to advancing AI technology and ensuring its development remains safe and ethical. The group commends Musk for “Musk has made major contributions to the field of AI both as an entrepreneur and as a thought leader. While advancing AI, he has also advocated for AI safety and the need to mitigate existential and catastrophic risks.” Musk’s outspoken stance on AI’s potential risks, coupled with his experience, make him, according to ARI, an ideal choice for a key advisory role.
Musk’s Experience in AI: A Valuable Asset for U.S. Policy
Musk’s involvement in AI is extensive. As CEO of Tesla and founder of xAI, an AI-focused startup he launched in 2023, Musk has firsthand experience in the sector. His advocacy extends beyond entrepreneurship; Musk has publicly urged regulators to establish oversight mechanisms to monitor Big Tech firms’ AI activities. “While there should be proper mechanisms in place to handle conflicts of interest, Musk would be an invaluable asset for helping the Trump administration navigate the development of this transformational technology,” the petition asserts.
In addition to his work in AI, Musk has been vocal about establishing government policies that safeguard against potential AI risks. Earlier this year, he endorsed a California bill mandating AI developers spending over $100 million on model development to conduct rigorous safety testing and implement protections against cyberattacks. However, despite passing the California legislature, the bill was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom, who expressed concerns about its focus on large developers while leaving smaller companies largely exempt. Newsom warned that AI models from smaller firms could be equally or more hazardous than those under the law’s purview.
Musk’s Proposal for a New Government Efficiency Department
Alongside his support for AI regulation, Musk has called on President-elect Trump to establish a Department of Government Efficiency. The department would focus on identifying and eliminating wasteful federal spending—a vision Musk has advocated for as part of his support for Trump’s campaign. Prior to the election, Trump expressed enthusiasm about Musk’s efficiency proposal, stating that if elected, he would invite Musk to spearhead the initiative.
Investor Concerns Over Musk’s Expanding Commitments
Although Musk’s involvement in public policy is seen as beneficial by some, his multifaceted responsibilities have raised concerns among Tesla shareholders. Investors critical of Musk’s $56 billion pay package argue that his extensive commitments, including advisory roles, might detract from his focus on Tesla. Shareholders voted to reinstate Musk’s pay package this summer after it was annulled in January by a Delaware judge due to incomplete disclosures about Musk’s relationships with board members who authorized the package. This case remains unresolved.
As AI technology reshapes the future, ARI’s petition positions Musk as a figure capable of guiding the U.S. toward responsible innovation. Whether the Trump administration will appoint Musk as an advisor remains to be seen, but the debate over AI’s role in the public and private sectors has undoubtedly intensified.
