{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/b2fb5f0b-0ce7-4e5c-b6e0-9b1febd06aea/677da3bc3888e2bd7ee8acf1?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Hugh Linehan: What is Elon Musk's endgame?","description":"<p>Earlier this week, tech billionaire Elon Musk publicly withdrew his support for the Reform UK party, posting on his social media platform that Nigel Farage “doesn’t have what it takes”.</p><p><br></p><p>Musk’s decision not to back, or financially support, Britain’s right-wing reform party came as he continues a barrage of online attacks against prime minister Keir Starmer, who he has accused of being complicit in “the rape of Britain”.</p><p><br></p><p>His interest in European politics extends to Germany where Musk has backed the far-right Alternative for Germany party and labelled outgoing German chancellor Olaf Scholz an “incompetent fool”.</p><p><br></p><p>And back in the United States, the world’s richest man will take up his position as co-leader of the newly created department of government efficiency, when Donald Trump re-enters the White House later this month.</p><p><br></p><p>In recent years, Musk has met presidents, prime ministers, lawmakers and political candidates from all around the world.</p><p><br></p><p>So, what is his end game and how much political influence does he really have?</p><p><br></p><p>Inside Politics presenter Hugh Linehan joins the podcast.</p><p><br></p><p>Presented by Sorcha Pollak. Produced by Suzanne Brennan.</p>","author_name":"The Irish Times"}