Former President Donald Trump says he would be open to naming the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, to a Cabinet or advisory role if he defeats Vice President Kamala Harris in November.

“He’s a very smart guy. I certainly would, if he would do it, I certainly would. He’s a brilliant guy,” Mr. Trump told Reuters.

Mr. Musk responded by posting a picture of himself on X posing as the head of the “Department of Government Efficiency,” writing: “I am willing to serve.”

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Mr. Musk, who owns the X platform and is CEO of electric vehicle giant Tesla, formally endorsed Mr. Trump after July 13’s failed assassination attempt on the ex-president in Pennsylvania.

Mr. Trump recently sat down for a two-hour conversation with Mr. Musk on an X livestream. During the conversation, the GOP nominee praised Mr. Musk as the “greatest cutter.”

“I mean, I look at what you do. You walk in, you say, ’You want to quit?” Mr. Trump said. “I won’t mention the name of the company, but they go on strike, and you go, ’You’re all gone.’”

Even as Mr. Trump warms to Mr. Musk, the ex-president said he’s considered axing a tax credit that boosts Tesla’s sales.

Speaking to Reuters, Mr. Trump said he might seek to repeal President Biden’s $7,500 tax credit for EV purchases.

“Tax credits and tax incentives are not generally a very good thing,” Mr. Trump said, adding, “I’m not making any final decisions on it. I’m a big fan of electric cars, but I’m a fan of gasoline-propelled cars, and also hybrids and whatever else happens to come along.”

Mr. Trump says consumers should be able to choose the type of car they want to drive. On the campaign trail, he’s promised to rescind Biden’s EV mandate.