Elon Musk, known for his groundbreaking work with SpaceX and Tesla, is now one of the loudest supporters of former President Donald Trump in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. This unusual friendship has raised many eyebrows, as the world’s richest man goes all in for Trump, not just financially but also on stage at Trump’s rallies. Musk himself admits he’s taking a big risk by doing this, even claiming he fears for his safety. So, why would Musk, a self-proclaimed moderate, jump so deeply into the world of politics, especially for someone as polarizing as Trump?
The Turning Point for Musk
Initially, Musk wasn’t a Trump fan. He used to see himself as more moderate, even calling himself “politically neutral.” But as time passed, he seemed to feel that Trump’s policies might benefit his businesses. Back in 2016, when Trump was elected, Musk and other tech elites were invited to Trump Tower. Musk believed he might have some influence over Trump’s views on things like immigration. According to Kara Swisher’s book Burn Book, Musk hoped he could convince Trump on some issues and maybe even keep some of Trump’s more extreme policies in check.
But things have changed since then. Now, Musk is not only supporting Trump but is also willing to put his safety on the line to back him up. In a speech in Pittsburgh in October, Musk stated, “Dramatically increasing my risk of being assassinated, and engaging in politics, are not what I want to do. I do not have a death wish. But the stakes are so high that I feel I have no choice but to do it.” His dedication is evident, and it goes beyond just showing up at events.
Big Money and Big Risks
One of the clear reasons Musk supports Trump is the potential benefit to his business interests. Musk has already poured around $120 million into supporting Trump’s campaign, a significant amount for any individual. Experts believe Musk thinks a Trump win could lead to more NASA contracts for his company SpaceX, more government support for his satellite company Starlink, and extra incentives for Tesla, his electric car company. According to Bradley Tusk, a political strategist, Musk’s support could lead to federal contracts and financial advantages that help his businesses.
But it’s not without risk. If Trump’s main opponent, Kamala Harris, were to win, Musk’s deep support for Trump could backfire. In that case, he would lose potential contracts and face a government less inclined to offer him benefits. “If Harris wins, Musk’s downside is a lot greater than if he had stayed neutral,” Tusk commented.
A Future in Government?
Another reason Musk is so eager to support Trump may be the chance of a more direct role in government. Trump has publicly praised Musk, calling him a “brilliant guy” and even hinting at the possibility of offering him a cabinet position if he wins. This has added fuel to the rumors that Musk could become a key advisor or even a decision-maker in a future Trump administration. However, some experts are wary about the ethics and legality of such an arrangement.
According to Lenny Mendonca, former business adviser to California Governor Gavin Newsom, Musk’s role in government would be a “direct conflict of interest.” Mendonca pointed out that if Musk were appointed to a government position, he’d have to give up his business activities or place them in a trust. He’d also need to avoid any decisions related to his companies to maintain ethical boundaries. “Otherwise, it would be a clear conflict of interest, which is illegal,” Mendonca noted. This shows how tricky it could be for Musk if he tries to mix business and politics on such a big stage.
“Techno Libertarians” and a Desire for Influence
Musk’s reasons for supporting Trump may not just be about business gains. Some experts believe Musk falls into a unique group of wealthy tech moguls with a deep distrust of government. Mendonca calls them “techno libertarians,” people who think government holds back progress and believe private companies can solve society’s problems better. According to Mendonca, these types are part of what he calls the “let’s dismantle everything crowd.” They see government as a barrier rather than a benefit, and they tend to support leaders who promise fewer regulations and more freedom for businesses.
Ironically, Musk’s own companies—Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink—have all received considerable government support over the years. Tesla got incentives to develop electric cars, and SpaceX has government contracts for space missions. Without these supports, Musk’s businesses might not be as successful as they are today. Despite this, Musk continues to advocate for less government interference, aligning himself with Trump’s anti-establishment stance.
The Ego Factor: Power and Influence
There’s another side to Musk’s political involvement, and it has to do with ego. Mendonca believes that some wealthy entrepreneurs think they know best, not just in business but in everything. This confidence—or perhaps overconfidence—leads people like Musk to think they can influence election outcomes and policy decisions. In a way, Musk’s support for Trump isn’t just about what’s best for business; it’s also about satisfying his own desire for influence and control.
Will Musk’s Bet Pay Off?
Musk’s support for Trump is a bold move, with both potential rewards and risks. If Trump wins, Musk could see his businesses grow even further with additional government contracts and incentives. His influence in politics would likely increase, which could align well with his desire to shape the future. However, if Trump loses, Musk might face backlash, losing some of the privileges he’s gained in recent years. Moreover, the close association with such a divisive political figure could affect Musk’s public image.
In the end, Musk’s actions reveal a lot about the complex relationships between business, power, and politics. By putting his weight behind Trump, Musk is taking a gamble that goes beyond finances—it’s a bet on shaping the world according to his vision. Whether that gamble will pay off remains to be seen.