President Trump said Monday he would move to protect Elon Musk if Democrats investigate the SpaceX and Tesla CEO following the midterm elections. He also suggested the possibility of pre-emptive pardons for staff and others around him if Democrats win the election.
In an interview for the "Pod Force One" podcast published Monday, host Miranda Devine asked Trump about rumors of Musk being investigated or having assets seized. "It's talk. But if it is talk, we'll have to protect them," Trump said. He went on to say he wouldn't hesitate to pardon staffers if he thought Democrats were pursuing them.
Trump is positioning himself for a combative final two years in the White House, as polls increasingly point to the prospect of a significant blue wave in the upcoming elections.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The president is framing the midterm elections as a direct threat to his administration, signalling a deeply combative final term.
- The suggestion of pre-emptive pardons represents a sharp escalation in the use of executive clemency as a political shield.
- The prospect of investigations into a major government contractor and CEO could have significant implications for federal contracts and regulatory oversight.
Background
Trump has frequently used his pardon power in ways that attract controversy. The 2026 midterms are widely seen as a referendum on his presidency, and a Democratic victory would likely trigger extensive congressional oversight and investigations into the administration. Musk, who leads both SpaceX and Tesla, companies with significant US government business, has been a prominent political ally of Trump.
Key Perspectives
What to Watch
- The final outcome of the midterm elections and whether Democrats secure the subpoena power that would come with control of the House.
- The specific focus of any investigations into Musk’s business dealings or government contracts.
- The list of staffers and allies who might receive pre-emptive pardons from the president.
Checked
9 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 9 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedThe headline says Trump vowed to protect Musk.Axios: “Trump vows to protect Musk, floats pre-emptive staff pardons.”
- SupportedTrump said Monday he would move to protect Musk if Democrats investigated the SpaceX and Tesla CEO after the midterm elections.Axios: “President Trump said Monday he'd move to protect Elon Musk if Democrats investigate the SpaceX and Tesla CEO after midterm elections.”
- SupportedTrump suggested possible pre-emptive pardons for staff and others around him if Democrats won the election.Axios: “He also suggested the possibility of pre-emptive pardons for staff and others around him if Democrats win the election.”
- SupportedThe summary characterises Trump as signalling a combative stance ahead of the midterm elections.Axios: “Trump is positioning himself for a combative final two years in the White House, as polls increasingly point to the prospect of a significant blue wave.”
- SupportedThe interview for the “Pod Force One” podcast was published Monday.Axios: “In an interview for the "Pod Force One" podcast published early Monday”
- SupportedMiranda Devine asked Trump about rumors that Musk was being investigated or his assets seized.Axios: “host Miranda Devine asked Trump about rumors of Musk being investigated or having assets seized.”
- SupportedTrump said, “It's talk. But if it is talk, we'll have to protect them.”Axios: “"It's talk. But if it is talk, we'll have to protect them," Trump said.”
- SupportedTrump said he would not hesitate to pardon staffers if he thought Democrats were pursuing them.Axios: “He went on to say he wouldn't hesitate to pardon staffers if he thought Democrats were pursuing them.”
- SupportedTrump is positioning himself for a combative final two years in the White House as polls increasingly point to a significant blue wave in the upcoming elections.Axios: “Trump is positioning himself for a combative final two years in the White House, as polls increasingly point to the prospect of a significant blue wave.”