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SPACEX founder and X owner Elon Musk may just have a shot at a seat on a presidential cabinet if White House hopeful Dean Phillips is elected to office.
The Democratic candidate appeared to float the possibility that Musk or investor Bill Ackman could fill a post in his Cabinet during a forum on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
Phillips spoke with Musk and Ackman, as well as podcast host Jason Calacanis, during a lengthy conversation via X’s Spaces platform.
During the discussion, Phillips touched on what his first 100 days would look like if his long-shot bid for the White House pays off.
Phillips explained that he plans on building “the most extraordinary bipartisan Cabinet in American history.”
“Maybe we’ll have a third of them on this spaces right now, guys,” the Minnesota representative said.
A spokesperson for Phillips campaign confirmed to The U.S. Sun that the candidate is committed to a diverse presidential cabinet.
However, no jobs were offered in the discussion.
“Dean is committed to creating a bipartisan cabinet with a diverse group of people — including those with nontraditional backgrounds — who represent the top of their field,” the spokesperson said.
“He was in no way offering people jobs on a Twitter space, just illustrating the broad range of the type of people that might be represented on his cabinet.”
Phillips, 54, is challenging incumbent President Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination for the 2024 Presidential Election.
Ackman has revealed he is throwing his support behind the young candidate and plans to donate approximately $1 million to Phillips’ super PAC.
While Phillips’ White House chances may be a long shot, Biden’s name will not appear next to his on the primary ballot in New Hampshire next week.
Biden’s name will not appear on the ballot as the president did not file in the state due to Democratic National Committee delegate selection rules.
Phillips later blasted the move in an interview with The U.S. Sun, saying, “What it says is, ‘This is an election about me, not about you.’”
Following Monday’s discussion with Musk and Ackman, Phillips was criticized on social media for holding the conversation at all – particularly on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
In recent weeks, Musk and Ackman have been at the forefront of opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, often disregarding the ideological movement as “racist.”
Several social media users took issue that Phillips would host a conversation with the two following their controversial remarks.
“Dean Phillips used to be in congressional leadership and now he’s doing events with racist conspiracist Elon Musk and conservative lolcow Bill Ackman after being taken for a ride by vampiric consultants all because his ego couldn’t take rejection from his peers. What a downfall,” one user on X wrote.
“Dean Phillips, who gave this clueless, out of touch, glib, dismissive reply to a woman’s question about racism and white supremacy at a town hall – CHOSE to do a Twitter Space with Elon Musk and Bill Ackman (both are anti-DEI) on #MLKDay2024,” another user posted.
“#DropOutDean. This is truly offensive. You are openly courting people who have expressed antisemitic & racist views. That tells us a lot about you.”
Phillips’ campaign has defended the forum, telling The U.S. Sun that it is important to hold conversations and discussions with those with opposing views to help make change.
“Dean was very clear that he recognizes the need to right the past and current impediments to people of all races and all backgrounds so that each person can live in economic security and personal dignity regardless of their zip code,” a spokesperson said.
“He believes in raising the foundation for those who are being left behind and creating a culture of restorative justice. He also believes change only comes when we have conversations with those who hold different views.”
Headed into New Hampshire’s primary, Phillips still sits extremely low in the polls.
As of Tuesday, Biden held approximately 69.8% support nationwide, while Phillips only held 3.2%, according to RealClearPolling.
Democratic candidate Marianne Williamson holds approximately 7.9% support.
