Tesla CEO Elon Musk Donates $45 Million to Pro-Trump Super PAC
A Shift in Political Landscape
Elon Musk, the world’s richest person and CEO of Tesla, has made a significant shift in his political stance by donating $45 million to a super political action committee (PAC) dedicated to re-electing former President Donald Trump. This move marks a departure from Musk’s previous claims of neutrality in politics.
Background
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, Musk donated to the America PAC, a low-profile group formed in June to fund Trump’s bid for the presidency. This donation comes just days after Musk publicly endorsed Trump.
Musk’s Previous Political Stance
In March, Musk wrote on X, "Just to be super clear, I am not donating money to either candidate for US President." However, Musk has since shifted his stance, accelerating his support for Trump. As the CEO of an electric vehicle manufacturer, it’s unclear whether Musk’s stance will clash with the political leanings of electric vehicle buyers.
Other Tech Investors Supporting the PAC
Beyond Musk, serious tech money is flowing into the PAC from Cameron Winklevoss and Tyler Winklevoss, as well as Joe Lonsdale, Palantir Technologies cofounder, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Musk’s Political Shift
Musk, who has donated to both Democrats and Republicans in the past, previously described himself as an independent who donates only to extend his influence among politicians. He has donated about $80,639 per election cycle from 2004-2020, with about 50.1% of that money going to Republican causes.
Musk’s Philosophy
In a 2015 Vanity Fair event, Musk said, "I get involved in politics as little as possible. There’s some amount I have to get involved in, mostly because SpaceX has to battle Boeing and Lockheed for national security and civil space launch contracts. If we don’t battle them, then we’ll lose."
Recent Political Involvement
In recent years, Musk’s philosophy has clearly shifted away from neutrality towards a stronger right-wing stance. Some have marked his 2022 purchase of X – formerly Twitter – as the beginning of his political involvement, where he gave himself a platform to espouse his frequent critiques of Biden.
Musk’s Political Beliefs
Musk has said he previously voted for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and current President Joe Biden but also endorsed Republican House candidates during the 2022 race. In March, Musk said, "I voted 100% Dem until a few years ago. Now I think we need a red wave or America is toast."
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s donation to the America PAC marks a significant shift in his political stance, departing from his previous claims of neutrality. As the CEO of Tesla, it’s unclear whether his stance will clash with the political leanings of electric vehicle buyers. The move has sparked questions about the influence of tech money in politics and the potential impact on the 2024 presidential election.
FAQs
Q: What is the America PAC?
A: The America PAC is a super political action committee dedicated to re-electing former President Donald Trump.
Q: How much did Elon Musk donate to the America PAC?
A: Elon Musk donated $45 million to the America PAC.
Q: What is Elon Musk’s previous political stance?
A: Musk previously claimed to be neutral in politics, stating he would not donate to either candidate for US President.
Q: What is the significance of Musk’s donation?
A: Musk’s donation marks a significant shift in his political stance, departing from his previous claims of neutrality. It also raises questions about the influence of tech money in politics and the potential impact on the 2024 presidential election.
Q: Will Musk’s stance clash with the political leanings of electric vehicle buyers?
A: It’s unclear whether Musk’s stance will clash with the political leanings of electric vehicle buyers, as Tesla is an electric vehicle manufacturer.
Author: fortune.com
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