Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind Tesla and SpaceX, has gone from revolutionizing industries to becoming a loud voice in American politics. His latest political move? Urging people to vote for Donald Trump in the 2024 US presidential election, not just for policies here on Earth but for what Trump could achieve in space. Musk tweeted, “Vote for @realDonaldTrump if you want humanity to be a spacefaring civilization.”
But back on Earth, Musk’s growing influence in politics has made him a divisive figure, especially among progressives.
From Climate Hero to Conservative Ally?
Musk seems like an odd champion for Trump’s brand of politics. His success with Tesla, a global leader in electric vehicles, and his work with sustainable energy technologies once made him look like a natural ally for the political left. He even claims he voted “100 percent Democrat” until a few years ago.
Yet, in recent years, he’s shifted dramatically. Now, Musk positions himself as a defender of “free speech,” limited government, and border control—stances he describes as moderate but often echo far-right talking points.
“People say these are right-wing values,” he said recently. “These are the fundamental values that made America what it is today.”
But Musk’s words and actions often paint a more complex picture. His social media presence, especially since taking over Twitter (now called X), is anything but moderate. He tweets constantly, frequently mocking critics, amplifying conspiracy theories, and promoting Trump. While Musk admits some of his posts are “extremely dumb,” he rarely filters himself.
The Influence of Power and a Platform
Owning a massive social media platform has given Musk a megaphone unlike any other. His posts spread widely, often pushing controversial ideas. Critics argue he’s using his influence irresponsibly, with one journalist warning about “the world’s richest man running a communications platform in a vengeful, dictatorial way… to promote extreme right-wing agendas.”
His power is more than just online clout. Musk has poured serious money into conservative causes. Earlier this year, he personally invested $75 million to create a pro-Trump political action committee (PAC) aimed at mobilizing voter support. The PAC controversially offered $100 to registered Pennsylvania voters who signed a petition supporting free speech and gun rights, with a chance to win $1 million.
Critics quickly called the tactic illegal, citing federal laws that bar financial incentives tied to voter participation. Musk, however, claims the PAC didn’t break any laws since the payments weren’t directly tied to voting itself—a legal grey area the Justice Department is now reviewing.
Deepening Political Ties
Musk has taken his political involvement a step further by temporarily relocating to Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state. His campaigning there has included surprise speeches for Trump, including an appearance in Butler, Pennsylvania—where an assassination attempt on Trump had occurred earlier in the campaign.
His involvement goes beyond just endorsing Trump. Musk has painted doomsday scenarios of what could happen if Trump loses the election. In a recent interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Musk warned, “If Trump doesn’t win this election, it’s the last election we’re going to have.”
This language mirrors the increasingly extreme rhetoric used by parts of the Republican Party, framing the election as a battle for democracy itself.
A Role in a Future Trump Administration?
The speculation doesn’t end with campaign support. If Trump wins in 2024, Musk could play a formal role in shaping the next administration. Trump has already announced that Musk would lead a federal task force to conduct a sweeping audit of government spending and recommend reforms. Musk himself has expressed interest in a role focused on government efficiency, arguing that Washington has become a “brake pedal stopping progress.”
But Musk’s ambitions stretch far beyond American politics. His focus on space exploration remains central to his public persona. He’s framed Trump’s re-election as part of a larger vision: to turn the US into a “spacefaring civilization.”
Musk’s Legacy in Politics
Musk’s entry into political power shows how billionaires are increasingly shaping the direction of public debate and elections. His wealth, media influence, and ideological shift have made him one of the most controversial figures in modern politics. Whether seen as a visionary or a disruptor, Musk’s impact is undeniable—and as he often reminds his followers, not limited to this planet.
