As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to shape America’s future tech policies, a new initiative is calling for an unexpected ally: Elon Musk.
On Friday, the nonprofit Americans for Responsible Innovation (ARI) launched a petition urging Trump to appoint Musk as a special AI advisor.
The goal? To secure the U.S.’s AI leadership while ensuring safe and responsible advancements in the technology.
“No one is better equipped to help the Trump Administration make America lead on AI than Elon Musk,” states ARI, led by former Democratic representative Brad Carson, highlighting Musk’s influence and experience.
The tech mogul has had a complex relationship with AI—he co-founded OpenAI, criticized it, and later launched his own AI venture, xAI.
Musk even signed a letter calling for a temporary pause on the development of advanced generative AI models, a move some saw as self-serving given his AI interests.
Still, his track record on AI safety remains a key selling point for ARI’s endorsement.
The ARI petition claims Musk’s potential conflicts can be managed with “proper mechanisms,” and emphasizes his role as a “valuable asset” in guiding the Trump administration’s AI policies. They’re aiming for 10,000 signatures in support.
“Musk could emerge as a champion for AI safety in the administration,” writes ARI policy analyst David Robusto.
He cites Musk’s co-founding of OpenAI, his AI moratorium stance, and support for California’s AI safety bill SB 1047.
Although Musk’s specific policy ideas remain vague, Robusto believes his evolving views on AI policy could benefit from public debate and alignment with Trump’s administration.
Musk has even floated a plan to lead an entirely new role, heading a “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) to overhaul U.S. regulations.
Robusto speculates that Musk might preserve essential agencies, like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which plays a significant role in AI policy.
If Musk’s efficiency measures lead to mass layoffs, Robusto suggests, the government may lean more heavily on AI tools to fill those gaps.
“With the right guardrails, Musk’s technical insights and dedication to AI safety could make him a key player in crafting responsible AI governance,” Robusto concludes.
This petition highlights the growing call for a bold AI policy vision—one where Musk’s experience could shape the way forward for American tech.
Whether Musk steps into this role or not, the conversation marks an intriguing start to America’s AI strategy under Trump.