Trump suggests potential pardons for Musk amidst investigation concerns

During an interview on the “Pod Force One” podcast released Monday, Trump indicated he would intervene to shield the SpaceX and Tesla CEO from potential Congressional investigations.

He also mentioned contemplating preemptive pardons for his former advisors and associates, a strategy he has previously considered to safeguard them from prosecution related to actions taken during his presidency.

The discussion arose when podcast host Miranda Devine inquired about rumors of investigations and asset seizures targeting Musk.

“It’s talk. But if it is talk, we’ll have to protect them,” Trump stated on the podcast.

Musk has contributed over $445 million to political campaigns this election cycle, including $77 million injected into his America PAC in October alone, according to Federal Election Commission filings obtained by Bloomberg.

He has also spent at least $71 million supporting Republican candidates in Senate races across several states, including Ohio, Michigan, Texas, Iowa, and Maine. His PAC has notably spent $33.1 million on the Texas race between Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton.

Trump affirmed his willingness to extend pardons beyond Musk if investigations are pursued.

“I would if I needed to. Sure,” he told the podcast. “I would not even think about it. I’d do it.”

This comes as Democrats on the House Oversight Committee are reportedly preparing to scrutinize Musk’s campaign contributions and cost-cutting measures if they secure control of Congress on Tuesday. Representative Greg Casar of Texas, a member of the committee, recently told Politico that oversight should extend to corporations and wealthy individuals who have attempted to influence the government.