Trump put Elon Musk on phone with Ukraine’s Zelenskyy during congratulatory call, official says
Kiev, Ukraine — president-elect Donald Trump put billionaire Elon Musk on the phone with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy when the Ukrainian leader called to congratulate the incoming US president, according to a Ukrainian official with direct knowledge of the call.
The person, who was not authorized to comment publicly on the matter, confirmed that Zelenskyy and Musk spoke during the call with Trump, but that Musk did not appear to be on the phone for the entire conversation on Wednesday. Trump apparently handed his phone to Musk, the person said, and the Ukrainian president thanked the SpaceX owner for helping his country access the Starlink satellite internet platform.
Musk’s presence during the call underlines his influence in the circle of the newly elected president. Trump has mused that Musk could take a formal role in his administration focused on government efficiency, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest given SpaceX’s lucrative government contracts.
Trump’s interactions with Zelenskyy are closely monitored as he prepares to take over the presidency on January 20 and has done so marked a shift Washington’s steadfast support for Ukraine against Russia’s nearly three-year invasion.
Trump has pledged to end the war quickly and suggested Kiev should agree to cede some territory to Moscow in exchange for peace, a condition Zelensky has rejected.
It was under Trump that the United States first sent weapons to Ukraine in 2017 in its fight against Russia. Those Javelin anti-tank missiles were crucial to Ukraine’s initial ability to repel the full-scale invasion in 2022.
President Joe Biden’s administration has sent tens of billions of dollars in military and economic aid to Ukraine, drawing criticism from Trump and newly elected Vice President J.D. Vance, who are wary of U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts and suggested the money would be better could be spent in your own country.
Trump has promoted his good relationship with President Vladimir Putin, calling the Russian leader “pretty smart” over his invasion of Ukraine. He characterized Zelenskyy as “the world’s biggest salesman” for obtaining American aid.
Zelenskyy is one of dozens of world, business and political leaders who have spoken with Trump, who has been at his private club and residence in Florida in the days since he won the White House.
The Trump transition said it would not comment on private meetings.
Axios was the first to report on Musk’s presence during the Trump-Zelenskyy call.
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Gomez Licon reported from West Palm Beach, Florida and Miller reported from Washington.