Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has spent at least $132 million supporting Donald Trump and other Republicans in the final push of the 2024 election, according to Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings disclosed Thursday. This latest $56 million donation in October alone significantly elevates Musk’s role as a political donor, with contributions aimed at bolstering Trump’s presidential bid and supporting GOP candidates in Congress.
Musk’s super PAC, America PAC, received $43.6 million from him in the first half of October, bringing his annual contributions to $118.6 million. The PAC has been funding extensive efforts to increase voter turnout in key battleground states for Trump and Republicans, especially targeting young men through digital ads. Musk’s support also extended to other influential groups, with $10 million given to the Senate Leadership Fund and $2.3 million to the Sentinel Action Fund, aiding GOP Senate campaigns in contested states like Montana, Nevada, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Musk’s Growing Political Influence Raises Concerns
Musk’s donations have come under federal scrutiny, with the Justice Department warning America PAC against a program offering $1 million daily to registered swing-state voters signing a petition, as it may breach federal law prohibiting payment for voter registration or voting. Musk’s involvement has further expanded with his public appearances and rallies, highlighting what he calls a “critical election” for America’s and Western civilization’s futures. His unprecedented role, coupled with Trump’s promise to offer Musk a position within a potential administration, underscores his influence.
Despite Harris outspending Trump in key swing states, Musk’s contributions have helped narrow their polling gap, as both candidates push through the last days of their campaigns with ads, rallies, and door-to-door efforts. With Harris’s $352 million media spending against Trump’s $214 million, the race remains statistically tied, making the final days crucial in determining the next occupant of the White House.
