WATCH: Sununu Brushes Off Musk Conflict Fears: “$450 Billion Doesn�t Need More Government Contracts”

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu defended Elon Musk�s involvement with the incoming Trump administration on Sunday, dismissing concerns that Musk�s extensive government contracts pose a conflict of interest.

Speaking on CNN�s State of the Union, Sununu argued that Musk�s immense wealth shields him from being influenced by financial incentives. �Elon Musk is worth $450 billion. I don�t think he�s doing it for the money. He�s doing it for the bigger project and the bigger vision of America. He doesn�t need the dollars,” Sununu said.

The remarks came after State of the Union host Dana Bash pressed Sununu on Trump�s past government spending and questioned whether Musk�s role as a key adviser could present ethical dilemmas, given the billions of dollars in contracts tied to Musk�s companies, SpaceX and Tesla.

Bash pointed out that Musk, while often described as an outsider, is deeply intertwined with the federal government through lucrative contracts. �One of the criticisms and the concerns is that he has billions of dollars tied up in government contracts. You don�t see a conflict of interest here?� Bash asked.

Sununu dismissed the concern, suggesting Musk�s financial standing makes him immune to the lure of additional contracts. �He�s so rich, he�s so removed from the potential financial influence of it,� Sununu replied. �It�s not about getting another little contract here or there. That�s nothing to him.�

Musk�s companies have indeed benefited significantly from government support. Tesla, under Musk�s leadership, relied on federal assistance during its formative years, while SpaceX has secured more than $20 billion in government contracts, contributing to its rise as a dominant player in the aerospace industry.

Despite this, Sununu framed Musk�s involvement in shaping policy as a positive development, lauding his outsider status and innovative mindset. �I like the fact that someone like Musk has an interest in government,� Sununu said, noting Trump�s tendency to turn to high-profile business leaders for advice.