Trump says he would protect Musk from post-midterm probes, open to preemptive staff pardons

President Trump said he would protect Elon Musk if Democrats win Congress in Tuesday's midterm elections and pursue investigations against him.

"It's talk. But if it is talk, we'll have to protect them," Trump said in an interview on the Pod Force One podcast published early Monday when asked about Democratic vows to investigate Musk should they take control of the House.

In the same interview, Trump separately said he would be open to issuing preemptive pardons to staff members and allies if Democrats take Congress. "I would if I needed to. Sure," he said. "I would not even think about it. I'd do it."

Trump also addressed speculation about a third term, saying "the language is very exacting" regarding constitutional term limits.

The remarks come one day before the midterm elections, with control of both chambers at stake.