We expect leaders to stand by what they believe. But what happens when those beliefs start costing them personally? When sticking to their principles threatens their own financial or political standing?

Take Donald Trump and electric vehicles. For years, Trump has said EVs will destroy the auto industry and be “very bad for the country.” But now, his ally Elon Musk is in trouble—Tesla is facing backlash, and Trump suddenly calls for support. Did he change his mind? Or is he trying to rescue an important connection, even if it means contradicting everything he’s said before?

Then there’s Elon Musk and cost-cutting. As head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has pushed aggressive spending cuts. Maybe he truly believes in them. But what happens when those cuts start undermining his own businesses? When the financial and political fallout stops being theoretical and starts affecting him personally?

And beyond the money—what about his credibility? Musk built his brand on innovation and confidence. If cost-cutting is now forcing him into damage control, does he double down or adjust course? Either way, the perception of self-interest threatens to erode trust.

This isn’t about whether their ideas are right or wrong. It’s about conflict of interest. Leaders need to be able to act without personal stakes influencing their decisions—or even appearing to. Because when credibility is gone, everything else starts to crumble.