On Election Day, Elon Musk took to his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), to make his voice heard, influencing millions of followers as he threw his support behind former President Donald J. Trump. With over 203 million followers, Musk’s posts have a powerful reach, and on this particular day, he stoked anticipation for a Trump victory, amplified conspiracy theories about voter fraud, and positioned himself as a key player in the political landscape.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 5, 2024
A Call to Vote for Trump
Elon Musk, known for his outspokenness and controversial takes, did not shy away from expressing his support for Trump as the 2024 election unfolded. In his posts on Election Day, Musk encouraged his followers to vote for the former president, even suggesting a “massive sea change” in Trump’s favor. He also resubmitted tweets from other Trump supporters, interspersing his replies with American flag emojis, signaling his strong alignment with the Republican candidate.
In one notable post, Musk shared a photo of himself wearing a leather jacket with a voting sticker, confirming his participation in the election. “Just voted in Cameron County, Texas, home of Starbase!” Musk wrote, referencing the location of his SpaceX launch facility. This post not only highlighted his active participation in the democratic process but also reinforced his personal connection to the state of Texas, a key battleground for the 2024 election.
Elon Musk’s Election Night with Trump
After casting his vote, Musk headed to Florida to join Trump and his allies at Mar-a-Lago to watch the election results. Speaking on a live stream, Musk hinted at the possibility of announcing the results on X with Trump if the outcome was clear enough. “I’ll be there with President Trump and JD and a bunch of other cool people,” Musk said, emphasizing the camaraderie and close bond between the two men. Musk’s presence in Florida underscored his role as a key supporter of Trump during the campaign, both in terms of financial backing and public advocacy.
Musk’s super PAC, America PAC, had been actively involved in get-out-the-vote efforts, particularly in swing states like Pennsylvania. He even offered transportation services to help voters reach polling stations, aiming to match or exceed the ground game of the Democratic Party.
Elon Musk and the Push for Election Integrity
However, Musk’s involvement in the election was not without controversy. Throughout the day, he continued to propagate the idea that Democrats might “steal” the election from Trump—a claim Musk has made frequently in the past. He also raised concerns about the reliability of voting machines, echoing the baseless allegations of widespread voter fraud that have been a hallmark of Trump’s rhetoric since 2020.
In one particularly pointed post, Musk accused Google of bias, alleging that search results were skewed in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris. He cited an instance in which a search query related to voting for Harris brought up a map of polling places, whereas a similar query about Trump produced news articles. Google explained the discrepancy, citing that the name “Harris” matched Harris County, Texas, and promised to address the issue.
Elon Musk Financial Backing of Trump
Beyond his public endorsements, Elon Musk has provided substantial financial backing to Trump’s campaign. Over the past several months, Musk has reportedly donated more than $130 million to support Trump and other Republican candidates in the 2024 election. This includes contributions to super PACs and direct support for the Trump campaign’s initiatives. Musk has also been actively promoting conservative causes, from free speech to gun rights, and has committed to giving away $1 million daily to swing-state voters who sign petitions supporting these values.
Musk’s donations have been part of a broader strategy to ensure that Trump is well-positioned to win the presidency and to solidify Musk’s relationship with the former president. Cary Coglianese, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania, suggested that Musk might view his financial and public support as a form of “risk-hedging,” aiming to align himself with the potential winner of the election.
What a Trump Victory Could Mean for Elon Musk
If Trump secures a second term in the White House, Musk’s alignment with him could pay off in significant ways. Experts have pointed out that Elon Musk stands to benefit from a more business-friendly environment under Trump’s administration. A lighter regulatory landscape, especially in areas like electric vehicles and space exploration, could help Elon Musk companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, to thrive.
For Tesla, regulatory leniency could be crucial as the company seeks approval for fully autonomous vehicles in states like Texas and California. Additionally, Musk has suggested that Trump could help expedite the federal approval process for autonomous vehicles, a major step in advancing Tesla’s technology.
SpaceX, which is rapidly becoming a leader in the private space industry, could also see more favorable treatment from a Trump administration, particularly with regard to contracts with the Department of Defense. Francesco Trebbi, a professor of business and public policy at UC Berkeley, pointed out that SpaceX could gain a competitive edge over rivals like Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin with Trump’s backing.
Potential Risks for Strategy
Despite the apparent benefits of aligning with Trump, there are also risks. Some of Trump’s proposed policies, such as retracting unspent funds from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), could negatively impact Tesla’s business. The IRA, which includes tax credits for electric vehicles and renewable energy projects, has provided significant support to Tesla’s bottom line.
Moreover, there is no guarantee that Musk will always get what he wants from Trump. Historical examples, like those of billionaire investor Carl Icahn during Trump’s first term, suggest that loyalty does not always translate into favorable outcomes. Icahn was reportedly promised regulatory relief for his oil refinery but ultimately resigned after facing criticism over potential conflicts of interest.
Elon Musk and Trump: A Partnership for the Future?
Elon Musk relationship with Trump has only deepened as the 2024 election progressed. The two men have become increasingly intertwined, with Musk actively campaigning for Trump, both in person and on social media. Musk’s endorsement and financial support have made him a key player in Trump’s bid for the presidency, and the partnership seems set to continue should Trump return to the White House.
Looking ahead, Elon Musk could potentially play a significant role in Trump’s administration, possibly even heading a new “Department of Government Efficiency,” a proposal that Trump has expressed interest in. In such a role, Musk could have significant influence over regulatory bodies that affect his businesses, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which has investigated Musk in the past.
As the future of the relationship between Musk and Trump unfolds, it’s clear that both men stand to gain from their partnership. Whether Musk’s influence will translate into real political power remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Elon Musk is positioning himself as a force to be reckoned with in the political sphere, alongside one of the most controversial figures in modern American politics.
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