Exploring Elon Musk's Shift to Trump's Ally
Elon Musk, once regarded as a tech genius, space pioneer, and democracy advocate, has now emerged as Donald Trump's loyal friend, benefactor, and propaganda spreader. To understand this transformation, let's delve into Musk's own words.
Analyzing Elon Musk's social media activity, such as his 76,000 tweets on Twitter/X since 2019, provides insight into his political transformation. From an apolitical figure to a political junkie, from a democrat to a Republican supporter, and from a business magnate to a radical Trump supporter, Musk's metamorphosis is striking.
In 2019, Musk declared, "I am openly moderate. There, I said it." However, by July 13, 2024, following an assassination attempt, he tweeted, "I fully support President Trump." This shift spans over five years, marking a significant move across the political spectrum. Musk now financially supports Trump's campaign and provides him with millions of followers as a loyal media partner.
From Humorous Tweeter to Coronavirus Chief Propagandist
In the past, Musk primarily tweeted about his companies, Tesla and SpaceX, and occasionally shared a joke. Today, he bombards his followers with political messages numerous times a day. Since 2019, the frequency of his political statements has skyrocketed more than 200 times. During 2019, Musk tweeted around 9 times a day, while his current average is 61 times daily. His political conversations could easily fill two Bibles.
Signs of Musk's political leanings became apparent during the pandemic. He clashed with investors on social media, insulted critics as child abusers, and was fined $1 million by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for spreading false information and market manipulation. In 2020, he evolved into a Corona rebellion leader, calling lockdowns "fascist" and disregarding instructions from the California government to close down his factories.
Musk's political consciousness significantly increased following his purchase of Twitter and its rebranding as X in October 2023. This move not only ensured freedom of speech for everyone but also provided him with an unfiltered platform for his personal opinions.
Reflecting on His Social Media Journey
Musk's actions on social media seem like a vendetta from a wronged man. He grew increasingly distant from the Biden administration in the months leading up to his takeover, accusing the U.S. president of being a "puppet" of the unions, after only automakers with worker representation were invited to the electric vehicle summit at the White House. Tesla was overlooked.
On May 22, 2022, before his Twitter takeover, Musk officially ended his relationship with the Democrats. He joked on Twitter, "In the past, I voted for the Democrats because they were the party of love." He had previously donated to Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden and had voted for both. "Due to unprovoked attacks by leading Democrats, and because they snubbed Tesla and SpaceX, I will vote Republican in November."
Musk's Transition to Right-Wing Politics
Musk's transition towards right-wing politics is not only driven by financial interests but also by personal experiences. The most significant was likely the gender transition of his daughter. In 2022, she changed her last name, rejected Musk, and, according to court documents, wished to maintain no relationship with her biological father. The news reported that Musk was absent as a father, "cold, heartless, and narcissistic," and had belittled and humiliated her due to her queer identity as a child.
The rift served as significant motivation for Musk to engage more politically on the right. "I've effectively lost my son," Musk said. He believed he had been tricked into signing papers for the gender transition. Now, his child was "dead," "killed by the woke brain virus."
Since then, Musk has dedicated himself to fighting against what he perceives as gender madness, alleged discrimination against whites, and illegal immigration. He now openly utilizes his platform to disparage his political adversaries, such as initiating a poll on Twitter to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. If Trump were to win the election, Musk is reportedly considering joining his cabinet, completing his transformation.
In the context of the 2024 US presidential election, Musk's tweet on July 13, 2024, indicated his support for President Trump. He stated, "I fully support President Trump."
Furthermore, Musk's financial contributions and media support for Trump's campaign have been significant, placing him as a prominent figure in Trump's political sphere ahead of the 2024 election.
Additional Insights
- Elon Musk's political alignment has undergone a significant shift from supporting both Democrats and Republicans to becoming a strong ally and supporter of right-wing and far-right politics, particularly under Donald Trump.
- Musk's early bipartisan donations allowed him to maintain a level of political favorability with both parties.
- As the political climate changed, Musk's allegiance shifted towards right-wing interests. His recent political donations have placed him squarely within the ranks of major GOP megadonors.
- Musk's financial backing, particularly through mechanisms like America PAC, which poured nearly $119 million into Trump's campaign, demonstrates his crafting of political influence at an unprecedented scale.
- Musk's support for right-wing policies is driven by his belief in business-friendly deregulation, anti-immigration stances, and a more aggressive approach to government efficiency. These policies are seen as necessary steps to ensure the growth and global competitiveness of his ventures.
- Musk's personal ideology and immense wealth have played a significant role in his political evolution. His net worth, estimated to be over $400 billion, gives him unparalleled influence in both business and politics.
- Musk's relationship with President-elect Donald Trump has been instrumental in his transition. Trump’s populist and disruptive approach to politics resonated with Musk, who has leveraged his platform to amplify far-right populist commentary.
- Musk's ownership of X (formerly Twitter) has allowed him to amplify right-wing voices and influence public discourse. This media presence has further solidified his position as a major influencer in right-wing politics.
- Despite Musk’s support for Trump, his employees across Tesla, SpaceX, and X have largely supported Democratic candidate Kamala Harris with their donations. This contrast highlights the complex dynamics within Musk’s workforce and the influence of geography and local politics.
- Musk’s international political activity, particularly in Europe, has been scrutinized due to his support for far-right parties like the Alternative for Germany (AfD). This has led to criticism from European governments and leaders regarding potential foreign interference in domestic affairs.