**Involvement in Conversations Between Leaders: Tesla Stock Surges**
On the 6th (local time), Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, participated in a phone call between Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, and Donald Trump, the incoming US President. The image shows President Zelensky (left), CEO Musk (center), and President-elect Trump. AFP News
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, was involved in a conversation with foreign leaders, confirming his role as a key figure in Trump’s second administration.
According to Axios on the 8th (local time), during a congratulatory call from President Zelensky to President-elect Trump for his election victory, Trump handed the phone to CEO Musk. President Zelensky thanked CEO Musk for his “communication support.” Previously, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 disrupted communication networks, CEO Musk provided Ukraine with Starlink, a satellite communication network operated by his company SpaceX.
Sources revealed that when President Zelensky spoke on the 6th, CEO Musk was at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump’s residence, and the overall atmosphere of the call was positive. On the same day, CEO Musk participated in a call with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The Washington Post reported, “Musk’s involvement in calls between leaders is evidence of his surprising accumulation of political and economic power,” indicating that he has shown a willingness to take on significant roles in the Trump administration. President-elect Trump has announced plans to appoint CEO Musk as the head of the new Government Efficiency Commission, acknowledging Musk’s substantial contribution to his election victory. In his victory speech, Trump dedicated a significant portion to praise Musk as “our new star and one of the most important people in America.”
Trump has mentioned a swift resolution to the Ukraine war, which has raised concerns about possibly forcing a negotiation that includes territorial concessions from Ukraine. Sources noted that President Zelensky expressed satisfaction with the call. After the call, President Zelensky reiterated on his X account that Trump’s comment on “peace through strength” has become increasingly important throughout Europe, including Ukraine, and he called for continued support for Ukraine.
According to Axios, sources stated that President Zelensky remarked the call went well and did not heighten anxiety over Trump’s victory. Another source added, “President Zelensky did not feel despair.”
Tesla’s stock is benefiting from the Musk effect. On the 8th, Tesla’s stock price rose over 8% on the New York Stock Exchange, surpassing a market capitalization of $1 trillion. This marked a four-day consecutive rise.