Today we’re talking about Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and Tesla — and I have to say, it feels like the first of many episodes about these three characters that we’ll be doing over the course of the next four years. Because when Elon used his wealth and influence to help Trump get elected, he also bought himself a seat at the president-elect’s inner circle. But what does the world’s richest person really want in return?

And how is the CEO of an electric car company, an outspoken advocate for combating climate change, going to square his support for Trump and a Republican policy agenda centered on climate change denial? Verge transportation editor Andy Hawkins joins me this week to make sense of it all, and to figure out how Elon and Tesla may still benefit, even if Trump's climate policy reversals and tariffs lay waste to the auto industry.

Links: 

• What does Trump’s election mean for EVs, Tesla, and Elon Musk? | The Verge
• This election will decide what kind of car you’ll buy | The Verge
• Trump says Musk will lead ‘DOGE’ office to cut ‘wasteful’ government spending | The Verge
• Elon Musk attends Trump's first post-election meeting with House Republicans | CNBC
• At Mar-a-Lago, ‘Uncle’ Elon Musk puts his imprint on the Trump transition | NYT
• Musk believes in global warming. Trump does not. Will that change? | NYT
• Elon Musk helped elect Trump? What does he expect in return? | NYT
• With ready orders and an energy czar, Trump plots pivot to fossil fuels | NYT
• Tesla hits $1 trillion market value as Musk-backed Trump win fans optimism | Reuters
• Trump’s return dims outlook for Chinese EV makers amid tariff threats | SCMP

Credits: 

Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Our producers are Kate Cox and Nick Statt. Our editor is Callie Wright. Our supervising producer is Liam James.

The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder.

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