Trump Hints at Musk and Kennedy Roles, Attacks Opponents in Arizona Rally, While Transition Team Co-Chair Downplays Their Chances

Donald Trump, speaking to a crowd of supporters at a rally in Arizona on Thursday, hinted at potential roles for Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a second administration, while delivering a scathing attack on his political opponents, The Guardian reports.

During an interview with conservative broadcaster Tucker Carlson, who has become a staunch supporter of Trump since leaving Fox News, Trump was asked about the possibility of appointing Musk, who has endorsed Trump and funded a Super PAC supporting his campaign, and Kennedy, who ended his independent presidential run to endorse Trump, to positions in a potential second administration. Trump responded with a simple, “Yeah, I do.”

However, on Wednesday, Howard Lutnick, co-chair of Trump’s transition team, downplayed the possibilities of either Musk or Kennedy ending up in Trump’s second cabinet during an interview with CNN. Lutnick suggested that Musk might be more likely to contribute to the government through advisory roles rather than holding a traditional cabinet position. Regarding Kennedy, Lutnick mentioned that while Kennedy’s expertise in health data could be valuable, he may not be considered for a leadership role in the Department of Health and Human Services.

The former president spent much of the interview focusing on his attacks on his opponents, labeling Vice President Kamala Harris “a low IQ individual” and “dumb as a rock.” He also singled out former congresswoman Liz Cheney, a vocal critic of Trump, calling her a “radical war hawk” and suggesting she be put in a dangerous situation to “see how she feels about it.”

Trump also claimed that “the enemy from within,” his term for his political opponents, are truly dangerous and seek to transform the US into a “communist country or fascist.” He accused them of being “con artists” who twist his words to portray him as a threat.

Trump has said that he believes he is leading in the polls by a large margin, suggesting that only “cheating” could prevent him from winning.

The event in Arizona, a battleground state that Trump is targeting in his bid for re-election, showcased his ongoing efforts to mobilize his base and attack his opponents.