Washington: US President Donald Trump on Friday strongly defended billionaire Elon Musk amid questions about Starlink and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, saying he trusted the technology entrepreneur and did not believe he would act improperly.
Trump described Musk as an exceptional talent whose contributions to American technology deserved recognition and protection.
“Elon’s a brilliant guy, and I have an expression. We have to protect our brilliant people because we don’t have too many of them,” Trump said.
The President was responding to questions about Musk and the possibility of political scrutiny if Democrats gained control of Congress in the November midterm elections.
Trump rejected suggestions that Musk had done anything wrong.
“Elon is a very good guy. He’s a very different kind of a guy. But I think people have an obligation to protect our geniuses,” he said.
The exchange subsequently turned to Starlink, the satellite communications network associated with Musk, and its role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Trump defended Musk’s judgement, expressing confidence that he would not misuse his position.
“First of all, he’s a very good person. He’s not going to do anything wrong,” Trump said.
He also praised Musk’s technological achievements, pointing to Starlink as evidence of his abilities.
“He’s a very brilliant person, or Starlink wouldn’t exist,” Trump said.
The President acknowledged the unusual circumstances surrounding interactions with private technology companies on matters connected to international conflicts.
“He’s a fair person and, you know, it’s an unusual situation where they’re talking to private companies. But he’s not going to do anything that’s wrong,” he said.
Trump did not announce any new policy concerning Starlink or provide details of possible changes to the satellite network’s operations in Ukraine.
His comments nevertheless highlighted the administration’s confidence in Musk at a time when questions about the role of private companies in international security were being raised directly with the President.
The President also addressed the prospect of Democrats gaining control of Congress and the possibility of greater scrutiny of Musk.
He said the United States needed to retain and protect individuals capable of developing advanced technologies.
Trump linked that argument to what he described as America’s leadership in emerging technological fields.
“We’re leading in everything right now,” he said, also claiming American leadership in superintelligence and other areas of technological development.
His defence of Musk was among several issues raised during the South Lawn interaction, which also covered Iran, Ukraine, trade negotiations with Canada and Mexico, and the approaching congressional elections.
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