Musk-Trump relationship goes to the next level as Tesla CEO pledges $45 M a month to former president’s campaign

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk plans to spend about $45 million a month on a newly created super political action committee (PAC) which backs former US president Donald Trump’s campaign, the Wall Street Journal reported citing sources familiar with the matter. 

It was reported on Saturday that Musk had made a “sizeable donation” to the group supporting Trump. The PAC will aid Trump’s preparation for the polls by promoting voter registration, early voting and mail-in ballots among residents in swing states ahead of the general election, WSJ said.

The Tesla founder plans to start donating from next month. 

Musk is one of several major backers of the new fund, with others reportedly including Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, former US ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft and cryptocurrency investors Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss.

Musk had, in March, sought to impress that he was not financially supporting either of the candidatures. However, he has a record of contributing to both Republicans and Democrats like any other businessman. 

“He has not heavily invested in a presidential campaign, in contrast to other American billionaires, and over the years, he has divided his contributions roughly equally between Republicans and Democrats,” the New York Times had earlier said. 

A look at Musk-Trump relations over the years

Even though Musk has now officially come out to support Trump after the former US president escaped a fatal attack at a rally in Pennsylvania, the relations between the two rather controversial figures in their respective spheres, have not always been smooth. 

Before the election of Donald Trump the first time around, Musk had criticised Trump by saying, “I feel a bit stronger that he is probably not the right guy. He doesn’t seem to have the sort of character that reflects well on the United States.”

After Trump was eventually sworn in, he however received approval from Musk for his choice of Rex Tillerson as secretary of state.

Musk later also accepted an invitation to become a member in two councils advising the president- Trump’s Manufacturing Jobs Initiative and the Strategic and Policy Forum.

However in 2017, he quit both the councils following Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement. 

“[I] Am departing presidential councils. Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world,” Musk had said. 

Incidentally, according to an earlier WSJ report, Trump and Musk have discussed a possible advisory role for the latter if Musk reclaims the White House.

Musk, a South-African immigrant himself, had also been a critic of Trump’s decision to ban travellers from Muslim countries of  Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen from entering the US. 

The blanket entry ban on citizens from certain primarily Muslim countries is not the best way to address the country’s challenges. Many people negatively affected by this policy are strong supporters of the US. They’ve done right, not wrong & don’t deserve to be rejected.

Musk, however, had to walk the tightrope when it came to Trump as Tesla and SpaceX benefitted from government tax credits and contracts.

He sought to impress detractors of his proximity with Trump that engaging with the president on issues like climate change would “on balance serve the greater good.”

What does Musk support to Trump mean for the US Presidential elections?

On one hand, Musk’s endorsement could bring in votes from the business and tech communities, as well as from those who admire Musk’s innovative ventures.

Additionally, Musk’s large following on social media could amplify Trump’s message and reach a wider audience.

On the other hand, Musk’s controversial reputation and divisive statements might alienate some voters who don’t align with his views.

Moreover, Musk’s support could reinforce criticisms of Trump’s connections to wealthy elites and potentially harm Trump’s image among working-class voters.

It’s important to note, however, that the impact of Musk’s endorsement may be limited, as voters’ decisions are influenced by a complex array of factors.

The outcome of the election will depend on a multitude of variables, including the candidates’ policies, campaign strategies, and voter turnout.

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