Trump hints at 2024 comeback, teases potential cabinet picks including Musk

Donald Trump has announced he will run again in four years if he loses this year's presidential election. The former U.S. president mentioned that he hasn't made any deals with anyone regarding his cabinet. The Republican candidate said the discussions are "premature", but that time is approaching. However, he did not dismiss the possibility of appointing several individuals, such as Elon Musk, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., or Tulsi Gabbard, whom Trump particularly emphasises.

Trump was asked by host Sharyl Attkisson on her show "Full Measure" if he sees himself running for election again in four years if his bid in this year's election is unsuccessful. "No, I think that that will be, that will be it. I don't see that at all" replied the Republican candidate.

"I think that hopefully we’re gonna be successful," Trump added, referring to this year's election.

The journalist also asked if former Republican Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, Elon Musk, or former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would be appointed to cabinet positions if he won the election. Trump did not rule out any of the names.

According to Trump, Kennedy, who withdrew from the presidential race and endorsed the Republican candidate, "will do great on health and on the environment." Trump was asked whether this meant Kennedy would head the Department of Health and Human Services in his cabinet. "It doesn't mean anything," he replied, emphasising that he hasn't made any deals with anyone regarding potential cabinet appointments. "It's too early. But it's getting to be that time, isn't it," he addressed the journalist.

They also talked about Tulsi Gabbard, a former congresswoman from Hawaii, who ran in the 2020 Democratic primary. In 2022, she left the Democratic Party. On 27 August 2024, Gabbard was appointed honorary co-chair of the team for the presidential transition to Donald Trump. The Republican candidate stated that "Tulsi has always been good from the standpoint of common sense."

"She's like a common sense person. I've watched her for a long time on shows. I've known her a little bit. And it was a great honour when we got her," said Trump. "She's, you're right. She was a Democrat and popular too in Hawaii. And she will be, she will be terrific," he added.

Trump noted that Musk "powerfully" supported him and agreed that the billionaire could help with "government waste." "He feels this is the most important election we've ever had. And as you know, he probably has a couple of other things to do," Trump responded.

The Republican candidate also said that he talks with Musk mostly about finances. "He's a big cost cutter. He is always been very good at it and I'm good at it," he pointed out.

After Elon Musk announced his support for Trump, the former U.S. president said he wouldn't expect the billionaire to serve in his cabinet if he won. He explained that Musk has professional commitments as the head of various companies but floated the idea that he could consult and offer some very good ideas.

At the same time, Trump said he would adopt Musk's plan for a government efficiency commission to reduce federal spending. Musk reportedly agreed to lead the commission "if the opportunity arises."