Elon Musk has openly expressed his support for Donald Trump, fearing significant consequences if Trump loses the presidency. Contributing over $132 million to Trump’s campaign, Musk has proposed a controversial lottery for pro-Trump voters, attracting federal scrutiny. His active involvement marks a departure from traditional corporate influence in politics. Additionally, Trump has promised to appoint Musk to a government position, raising concerns about conflicts of interest amid investigations into Musk’s companies and their ties to government contracts.
Elon Musk’s Support for Trump: A Strategic Move?
In a candid discussion with Tucker Carlson, Elon Musk voiced his concerns about a potential Kamala Harris victory, stating, “If Trump loses, I’m screwed.” The billionaire entrepreneur fears that if Donald Trump does not secure the presidency, he could face serious repercussions, even suggesting he might be “thrown in jail.” Over the past few months, following the assassination attempt on Trump and Ron DeSantis’s withdrawal from the race, Musk has emerged as a staunch advocate for the Republican candidate, contributing over $132 million to support his campaign.
Since the summer, Musk has been actively using his financial resources and media influence to back Trump, even proposing a controversial initiative where he would offer one million dollars a day to randomly selected voters who sign a pro-Trump petition and are registered in key battleground states. This lottery, however, has drawn scrutiny from federal authorities, highlighting the lengths Musk is willing to go to bolster Trump’s chances, as noted by several media outlets.
The Businessman’s Influence on Politics
Beyond his financial contributions through the Super PAC “America,” which he established last spring, Musk reportedly provides strategic advice to Trump, engaging in frequent phone discussions with him. His platform, X (formerly Twitter), where he boasts 203 million followers, has become a channel for Musk to amplify his support for Trump through numerous tweets.
Historian Romain Huret, who penned “Anatomy of a Democracy,” points out that Musk’s active role in this electoral campaign is unprecedented for a businessman. Historically, corporate leaders have sought to influence policy discreetly, but Musk’s overt support raises questions about his motivations. His alignment with Trump, despite previously backing more liberal policies, suggests that Musk might have strategic interests tied to a Republican administration. For instance, Trump’s recent endorsement of electric vehicles coincided with Musk’s support, indicating potential mutual benefits.
Moreover, Trump has pledged to appoint Musk to lead a “government efficiency commission,” which could shape regulations and budget cuts favoring Musk’s enterprises. This arrangement presents a significant conflict of interest, allowing Musk the opportunity to mitigate scrutiny on his companies, particularly amidst the numerous investigations into his business practices.
Musk’s relationship with federal agencies has often been contentious, especially concerning environmental regulations impacting his operations. The New York Times reported multiple investigations into Musk’s companies, particularly regarding SpaceX’s environmental impact. Moreover, Musk has been vocal about his displeasure with agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Communications Commission, which have imposed restrictions on his projects.
In a broader context, Musk’s businesses are intertwined with lucrative government contracts. Last year alone, 17 federal entities engaged with Musk’s companies, amassing contracts worth $3 billion. Whether Trump wins or loses, Musk’s status as a pivotal player in U.S. industry remains unchanged, with many viewing him as indispensable due to his contributions to space exploration and electric vehicle technology. As Ryan Mac from the New York Times aptly puts it, Musk’s influence will persist, making him a crucial figure that any administration will have to reckon with.