Musk and Trump: The Clash of Interests Behind the US Election

In this U.S. election, Musk unexpectedly and firmly supports Trump, not only investing a huge amount of money but also actively campaigning for him on public platforms. This clear political stance is quite rare for an influential and controversial entrepreneur.

A few years ago, Musk and Trump often publicly argued on social media, with Trump even mocking Musk for kneeling in front of the White House begging for subsidies. However, today, the two have become close allies. What exactly has caused such a dramatic shift in Musk's attitude? Amid the undercurrents of the election, deals involving power and money are quietly taking place.

Musk spares no effort for Trump

Since July, when he clearly supported Trump, Musk has given full support in terms of funding and momentum. According to data disclosed by the Federal Commission, Musk donated $75 million to the political action committee supporting Trump in the third quarter, becoming the largest single donor aside from Trump's core supporters.

This donation is like a timely help for Trump. This year, the Democratic Party has maintained an advantage in fundraising, raising $633 million in just the third quarter, which is four times that of Trump's camp. In the face of funding disadvantages, Trump has repeatedly pressured his supporters for more donations.

In addition to financial support, Musk also used his influence to rally support for Trump. He hosted an exclusive interview for Trump on the X platform, attracting millions of viewers. At Trump's campaign rallies, Musk also made several appearances to lend his support and delivered speeches praising Trump.

Recently, Musk has launched a million-dollar lottery in key states, encouraging voters to participate in petitions and vote in support of Trump. Despite the compliance risks associated with this approach, Musk is still actively promoting it.

From Opposition to Alliance: A Shift Driven by Interests

The shift in the relationship between Musk and Trump is driven by complex interests. Initially, Musk supported Biden because he valued his commitment to developing clean energy. However, the Biden administration seems to intend to exclude Tesla, which has left Musk quite dissatisfied.

As Musk's companies continue to develop, conflicts with the government over issues such as taxes, unions, and regulation are becoming increasingly intense. During Biden's term, many of Musk's companies have become targets of at least 20 regulatory investigations. At the same time, government subsidies are no longer as easily obtainable.

In contrast, Trump promised to give Musk greater influence. He proposed to establish a "Government Efficiency Committee" led by Musk, responsible for conducting a comprehensive audit of the federal government and making reform suggestions. Although this position sounds neutral, it could actually give Musk the power to influence regulatory policies, which would be extremely beneficial for his businesses.

For Trump, choosing Musk as an ally has obvious benefits. As a political outsider, Trump needs to cultivate a party strength that suits him better. Musk's business background and massive influence make him an ideal ally.

Risks and Challenges Under Intertwined Interests

Musk's full support for Trump has also put him at great risk. If Trump loses, Musk could face serious consequences, and his businesses would also be affected. This may explain why Musk has repeatedly expressed concerns about the possibility of being assassinated.

From a financial perspective, although Musk's net worth reaches $250 billion, most of his wealth is concentrated in stocks. Investing such a large amount of money in Trump's election is not an easy task for Musk.

Current polls show that Trump is leading in several key states, and the betting markets are optimistic about his chances. However, the outcome of the election remains uncertain, as Musk and Trump, this pair of allied interests, are now tied to the same boat and will face the opportunities and challenges brought by the election together in the future.