Elon Musk has denied reports that he pledged $45 million a month to support former President Donald Trump’s campaign.
For years at rallies Trump trashed EVs. They were terrible, told people not to buy them, said they would destroy auto industry. Most of his speech in MI was trashing EVs. Then Musk endorses him – BOOM, EVs are now great! He’s a con man & carnival barker who believes in nothing.
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) August 4, 2024
In an interview with conservative commentator Jordan Peterson, Musk stated, “What’s been reported in the media is simply not true. I am not donating $45 million a month to Trump.”
“I am for electric cars. I have to because Elon Musk endorsed me very strongly, Elon. So, I have no choice.”
Donald Trump
pic.twitter.com/A0SfvDp5Al— Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) August 5, 2024
Musk did confirm the creation of a new super political action committee (PAC) called America PAC, which aims to support Trump.
Super PACs can raise unlimited funds for campaign-related expenses but cannot donate directly to the campaign.
"I love you guys, your support is super appreciated"
Elon Musk about our club and Tesla investors pic.twitter.com/FEWyKH1q8b
— Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) August 3, 2024
Notable contributors to America PAC include tech industry figures such as Ken Howery, Antonio Gracias, Shaun Maguire, and the Winklevoss twins.
Musk declines hefty monthly support
The super PAC is partially led by Joe Lonsdale, a co-founder of Palantir and a venture capitalist in Austin. Musk distanced himself from Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan, instead aligning with the principle of “Make America Greater.” He emphasized his independent stance, saying, “I don’t prescribe to a cult of personality.” However, Musk added that Trump had shown “great courage” since an assassination attempt on July 13, which he argued helped intimidate America’s enemies. Musk elaborated on his political philosophy, highlighting core American values that he believes are better represented by the Republican party, such as meritocracy and freedom from government intervention.
He criticized the Democratic party for becoming the “party of censorship,” referencing a lawsuit by the Justice Department against SpaceX that claimed the company had discouraged refugees and asylum seekers from applying for jobs. In summary, Musk clearly supported certain Republican ideals while maintaining a distinct, non-partisan identity in his political contributions and beliefs.
