Elon Musk Threatens To Ditch Advisory Panel If POTUS Withdraws From Paris Climate Agreement

Elon Musk is reportedly threatening to resign from President Donald Trump’s business advisory panel if he withdraws from the Paris Climate Agreement.

On Wednesday, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk took to Twitter and opened up about the controversial Paris Climate Agreement. The 45-year-old business magnate revealed that he has done everything to advise Donald Trump to keep the U.S. in the Paris Climate Agreement.

“Don’t know which way Paris will go, but I’ve done all I can to advise directly to POTUS, through others in WH & via councils, that we remain.”

When asked about his plans in case Donald Trump decided to ditch the treaty, Elon Musk responded straight to the point that he would “have no choice but to depart [the] councils.”

Elon Musk is currently one of the 18 business advisers designated on Donald Trump’s business advisory council, also known as the Strategic and Policy Forum. The members of the forum played a huge role in giving the president useful advice, especially on important issues.

Apparently, the members will “be called upon to meet with the president frequently to share their specific experience and knowledge as the president implements his plan to bring back jobs and Make America Great Again.” The tech titan joined the panel in December.

Don't know which way Paris will go, but I've done all I can to advise directly to POTUS, through others in WH & via councils, that we remain

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 31, 2017

Will have no choice but to depart councils in that case

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 31, 2017

Elon Musk has been quite vocal about his support for the Paris Climate Agreement, especially since his company, Tesla, is a known advocate of green energy. However, despite his efforts to convince Donald Trump to remain in the treaty, the president has reportedly expressed skepticism over climate change.

Amid the possibility of Donald Trump’s withdrawal to the treaty, Elon Musk opted to stay with the administration, claiming that it’s better to be on the inside.

“This is something we need to strive for and the more voices of reason that the president hears, the better. Simply attacking him will achieve nothing. Are you aware of a single case where Trump bowed to protests or media attacks? Better that there are open channels of communication.”

Elon Musk also came under fire after he chose to stay in Donald Trump’s advisory panel despite his strong opposition to immigration bans. The South African-born Canadian-American engineer defended his position, claiming that he would object the executive order.

“Advisory councils simply provide advice and attending does not mean that I agree with actions by the Administration.”

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer already commented about Elon Musk’s threat to leave his post, saying, “Let’s wait and see what the president’s decision is. I don’t want to get ahead of it.”

Meanwhile, Donald Trump tweeted on Wednesday that he would announce his final decision about the Paris Climate Agreement on Thursday at 3 p.m. This is amid speculations that he is poised to withdraw from the treaty, especially after his “refusal to express support for global efforts to combat climate change” during the G7 summit last week.

I will be announcing my decision on Paris Accord, Thursday at 3:00 P.M. The White House Rose Garden. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 1, 2017

It can be recalled that Donald Trump was put under huge pressure from his supporters and big business groups to withdraw from the Paris deal. According to reports, once the president backs out from the agreement, it would help many local manufacturing industries by reducing the cost of energy from burning coal, oil, and natural gas.

However, such move will also affect the political support and government subsidies given by Democrats, particularly to the new low-carbon industries. These include Elon Musk’s Tesla Motors Inc., SolarCity Corp., and SpaceX, which reportedly reached an estimated $4.9 billion in state subsidies.

In case Donald Trump did pull out from the Paris Climate Agreement, it would join two other countries as non-participants — Syria and Nicaragua.

[Featured Image by Evan Vucci/AP Images]