With a $288 million donation, Musk became a central presence in Trump’s government, merging technological innovation with political maneuvering. Their partnership, which developed from early distrust to intimate cooperation, reflects Musk’s increasing role in defining U.S. governance.
Let’s take a look at how these two formed a solid partnership over the years:
Enemies to BFFs
At first glance, Musk and Trump appear to be worlds apart. Trump, a 78-year-old New York property magnate who became a reality TV personality, has been a political powerhouse for years. Musk, 53, is a South African native who made his fortune in the Silicon Valley tech world and now heads Tesla and SpaceX. Both men, however, have a shared passion for disruption, challenging conventions, and breaking rules.
Timeline of Trump-Musk Friendship:
November 2016
Musk first questioned Trump’s leadership, saying, “He doesn’t seem to have the sort of character that reflects well on the United States.” Following Trump’s electoral win, though, Musk became a member of his economic advisory council.
June 2017
Musk quit Trump’s presidential councils following the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, saying, “Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world.”
Am departing presidential councils. Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 1, 2017
January 2022
Trump lauded Musk as ‘one of the world’s great geniuses’ and likened him to Thomas Edison.
July 2022
Trump referred to Musk as ‘another bulls**** artist”‘ when Musk stated he never voted Republican. Musk retorted, “I don’t hate the man, but it’s time for Trump to hang up his hat.”
Trump Rips Elon Musk: “Another Bullsh*t Artist” pic.twitter.com/kiuGp7xTEu
— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) July 11, 2022
November 2022
Musk restored Trump’s Twitter account, stating, “The people have spoken. Trump will be reinstated.”
The people have spoken.
Trump will be reinstated.
Vox Populi, Vox Dei. https://t.co/jmkhFuyfkv
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 20, 2022
July 2024
Following an assassination plot on Trump, Musk supported him and reportedly gave $45 million a month to a pro-Trump PAC.
March 2024
Although Musk appeared to be aligning with Trump, he remained noncommittal about supporting any political party, stating on X that he would not financially contribute to any candidate in the presidential race.
Just to be super clear, I am not donating money to either candidate for US President
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 6, 2024
November 2024
Trump appointed Musk as co-leader of an emerging ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ (DOGE).
December 2024
Reports came out that Trump became ‘annoyed’ with Musk due to differences, with one source referencing the saying, “two tigers cannot live on one mountaintop.”
How Musk Supported Trump During US Presidential Elections 2024?
Elon Musk supported Donald Trump during US Presidential Elections 2024 in several manners. From being seen in public endorsing Trump to financial support towards his campaigns, Musk left nothing behind. Let’s take a look at how Musk supported Trump in detail:
1. Social Media & Voter Engagement
On August 2024, Musk invited Trump for a live debate on X, giving him the platform to respond to millions of users. He also instituted a $1 million daily prize for swing state voters who signed America PAC petitions supporting free speech and gun rights.
2. Policy & Government Advisory
In addition to financial contributions, Musk advised Trump on the government, suggesting he form a “government efficiency” commission. Trump appointed Musk as co-head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) by November 2024.
3. Public Appearances & Election Night Support
In October 2024, Musk appeared at a Trump rally wearing a MAGA cap, calling himself “dark MAGA.” A month later, he celebrated election night at Mar-a-Lago with Trump’s win.
Musk’s Role in Trump’s Administration
With Trump back in the White House, Musk was made the head of the “Department of Government Efficiency” (Doge), a task force to reorganize federal agencies and reduce government expenditure. Under Musk, Doge moved fast to gain control of crucial financial systems such as the payment network of the U.S. Treasury. Musk’s radical restructuring is weakening democratic institutions, according to critics.
His team acted fast, closing the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) without the approval of Congress. Musk toasted the move with a tweet: “We spent the weekend feeding USAID into the wood chipper.” Doge also proposed steps to oust government staff and freeze money, causing universal outrage.
Pros of Trump-Musk Alliance
- Government Efficiency: Trump and Musk’s alliance has resulted in unprecedented decreases in bureaucratic inefficiency, minimizing operations.
- Innovation-Driven Policies: Musk’s leadership is an extension of Silicon Valley’s ‘move fast and break things’ philosophy, which has facilitated swift changes.
- Tech Influence in Governance: Musk’s knowledge of artificial intelligence, space travel, and electric cars could propel the U.S. towards cutting-edge advancements.
Cons of Trump-Musk Alliance
- Dangers to Democracy: Critics contend that Musk’s unrestricted authority in the administration bypasses democratic procedures. As Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated, “An unelected shadow government is conducting a hostile takeover of the federal government.”
- Removal of Public Services: The shutting down of USAID has terminated vital assistance to struggling countries, impacting America’s global power.
- Rising Public Opposition: Protests broke out, with protesters carrying placards that said, ‘Nobody elected Elon.’ Public opinion surveys indicate increasing dissatisfaction, even among Republicans.
Can the Partnership Survive?
While Musk’s presence in the Trump administration is historic, political pundits are wondering if their partnership can last. Trump has a history of turning against his friends when they become liabilities. As political consultant Rick Wilson put it, “When Trump sees Elon causing political damage to him, he’ll cut the cord in a hot minute.”
However, Musk differs from Trump’s previous allies. With an estimated net worth of $426 billion and great influence over social media narratives, he has a lot of power. Conservative commentator Charlie Sykes asked, “How does Trump disentangle himself from the Frankenstein’s monster that he’s gotten into bed with?”
Trump Buys Tesla
Cutting down on the assumptions, Trump recently showed support to Elon Musk amid the ongoing demonstrations against Elon Musk, President Donald Trump publicly reaffirmed his support for the tech billionaire. Taking to Truth Social, Trump declared his intention to purchase Tesla as a show of solidarity with Musk in their shared goal of “making America great again.”
Shortly after his announcement, the White House transformed into an impromptu Tesla showroom, featuring five brand-new vehicles on display.
A viral video circulating online captures Trump seated inside a red Tesla Model S. Admiring the car’s sleek design, he remarked, “That’s beautiful. Wow.” He also expressed amazement at the car’s advanced technology, noting, “It is a different panel than I have seen in any car and that everything is computer.”
Musk then took the wheel, personally demonstrating the car’s features to the president, further cementing their growing alliance.
