In a surprising turn of events, Elon Musk and Donald Trump have transformed from rivals into allies. Their relationship began with sharp criticism. In 2016, Musk called Trump "not the right guy" for the presidency. He even resigned from Trump's advisory councils in 2017 and opposed Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. The two publicly clashed over COVID-19 policies in 2020, showing how far apart they were.
However, things began to shift. By the end of 2020, Trump praised Musk as "one of our great geniuses." As the pandemic continued, Musk took a stand by supporting the reopening of the Tesla factory, which aligned him more closely with Trump's views. In 2022, Musk acquired Twitter and began restoring conservative voices, including Trump's account in November. Lobbying efforts in politics often involve strategic alliances, which mirror the evolving relationship between Musk and Trump.
By late 2020, Musk's alignment with Trump grew as he supported factory reopenings and restored conservative voices on Twitter.
The relationship took another step in July 2024 when Musk endorsed Trump after an assassination attempt. He pledged $45 million monthly to a pro-Trump super PAC and made his first appearance at a Trump rally in October. He even wore a "Make America Great Again" cap, declaring Trump vital for preserving democracy.
Musk's financial support became significant. He donated $277 million to Trump and allied Republicans, becoming the largest individual political donor for the 2024 election. Some Republicans referred to him as "the Soros of the right" due to his contributions. Additionally, Musk's influence grew after he was appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Recently, the Stargate project, a $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative, was announced, further intertwining their political and commercial interests.
In addition to financial backing, Musk was appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). His role involved cutting government spending and streamlining bureaucracy, working alongside Vivek Ramaswamy. He aimed to cut $2 trillion over two years, gaining influence in policy-making.
Despite their alliance, there are signs of potential tensions. Reports indicate Trump has become "annoyed" with Musk's constant presence. Concerns also linger about Musk's growing political influence and possible disagreements over policies. The long-term sustainability of their partnership remains uncertain.
