In a recent statement, former President Donald Trump expressed high regard for Elon Musk, lauding the tech mogul’s ingenuity and their strong relationship.
Trump’s Admiration for Musk’s Achievements
“I love Elon Musk,” Trump declared. “Three years ago, I was watching TV and saw this rocket come down landing. No wings, no nothing; it’s landing on a barge in the middle of the ocean. I’ve never seen that before. If that were government, you wouldn’t see that for another 50-100 years.”
Trump continued, “Elon Musk is great. He’s a brilliant guy. Every time I call him, he’s talking about rockets. I’ve always had a good relationship with him. We have to make life good for our smart people, and he’s as smart as you get.”
Financial Contributions and Political Support
In discussing financial contributions, Trump confirmed that Musk is providing him with $45 million per month. However, Trump noted that Musk never brings up the topic of political donations during their phone calls. “He never mentions it,” Trump said, contrasting this with other donors. “Other people give me $2, and I have to wine and dine them,” he joked.
Trump also addressed misconceptions about his stance on electric vehicles (EVs), stating, “I am not anti-EVs as people portray me to be, and that’s why Elon is endorsing me. I like EVs; I just think they are not for everyone because some people need to drive long distances.”
Musk’s Political Involvement
Elon Musk has become more vocal about his political views and involvement. Just over two months ago, Musk attended a gathering at Montsorrel, the Palm Beach estate of Nelson Peltz, with several billionaire conservative financiers. The meeting, aimed at discussing Republican strategies for Senate control, saw Musk delivering a dire warning about the future of American elections. According to a source, Musk claimed that if President Biden won, millions of undocumented immigrants would be legalized, threatening the integrity of future elections.
Musk advised the financiers to focus on grassroots support rather than political advertising, drawing a parallel to Tesla’s success without heavy advertising. He encouraged them to mobilize support for Trump by asking two people to support him and urging those two to ask two more, emphasizing a chain reaction of personal endorsements.
Musk’s Transformation and Influence
Musk’s political transformation from a supporter of Democrats like Barack Obama to a staunch ally of Trump has been marked by his increasing conservatism and support for Republican causes. His dissatisfaction with liberal policies on immigration, transgender rights, and the Biden administration’s handling of Tesla has fueled this shift.
Despite this, Musk has kept a low profile regarding public donations, making his financial support less visible. Nonetheless, his influence is undeniable, with Trump’s advisors celebrating him as a significant figure in the campaign.
Behind the Scenes
This article is based on interviews with around two dozen of Musk’s political associates, friends, and Republican Party allies, many of whom spoke on condition of anonymity. Neither Musk nor his aides responded to requests for comment.
Woody Johnson, a prominent Republican fundraiser and Trump’s former ambassador to Britain, welcomed Musk’s ideological shift. “Explore all ideas — and come up with the best one,” Johnson said. “There’s nobody in the world like Musk. We’re lucky as Americans to have him. He is the most innovative — besides Trump.”
