**Elon Musk Backs Lutnick for Treasury Secretary; Calls for a Departure from 'Business-as-Usual'**

Elon Musk has recently voiced his support for Howard Lutnick as his preferred candidate for Treasury secretary, indicating a sharp departure from conventional choices. Lutnick, who serves as the Trump-Vance transition co-chair and is the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, BGC Group, and Newmark Group, was praised by Musk for his potential to "actually enact change."

Speculations suggest that Lutnick and Scott Bessent, founder and CEO of Key Square Group, are among the top contenders for the Treasury Department role. On the social media platform X, Musk expressed his opinions on both candidates. While endorsing Lutnick, he critiqued Bessent, stating, "My view, for what it's worth, is that Bessent is a business-as-usual choice. Business-as-usual is driving America bankrupt so we need change one way or another."

Musk encouraged more public discussion on the issue, hoping that more voices would weigh in to provide feedback for President-elect Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Trump’s spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, emphasized that the president-elect has not yet made any final decisions regarding this position. "President-elect Trump is making decisions on who will serve in his second administration," she stated. "Those decisions will be announced when they are made."

Both Lutnick and Bessent have significant connections to Trump, with Lutnick having a long-standing relationship that includes hosting a fundraiser for the president-elect. The Wall Street Journal also noted that Lutnick has been playing an active role in helping Trump review candidates for his administration's cabinet positions.

On the other hand, Bessent, who was a pivotal economic advisor during Trump's 2024 campaign, has garnered support from Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. “He’s from South Carolina, I know him well, he’s highly qualified,” Graham stated, lending his endorsement to Bessent.

As the anticipation builds, the decision for Treasury Secretary remains a focal point, signaling potential shifts in the economic direction of the upcoming administration.