Donald Trump, the leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination, held a meeting with billionaire Elon Musk on Sunday in an effort to court donors to support his financially strained political campaign, according to individuals familiar with the situation.
The gathering, initially reported by The New York Times, involved Musk and a group of potential contributors meeting with the former president. While it remains uncertain whether Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla Inc., will choose to contribute to Trump’s campaign, his involvement could potentially provide a significant boost to Trump’s fundraising efforts.
Musk, ranked as the world’s third wealthiest individual, has historically not been a major figure in political donations, despite his substantial wealth estimated at $192 billion by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Federal Election Commission records indicate that Musk has contributed less than $1 million since 2009.
Elon Musk Holds Meeting with Donald Trump as Ex-President Seeks Financial Support for 2024 Campaign (Credits: Rolling STone)
If Musk were to alter his stance and decide to support Trump financially, it could substantially enhance the former president’s campaign, which currently lags behind that of President Biden in terms of fundraising. Trump’s campaign finances have struggled to match those of Biden, with significant amounts being spent on legal fees, leaving him at a disadvantage in a potential rematch between the two in the general election.
Despite his previous bipartisan support and reliance on federal subsidies and contracts for his companies, Musk has been openly critical of President Biden’s administration, particularly regarding immigration policies. He accused the administration of facilitating illegal immigration to bolster Democratic votes, a claim lacking evidence and echoing conspiracy theories.
Musk has expressed dissatisfaction with Biden’s treatment of his companies, alleging bias against Tesla and exclusion from White House events. Despite having voted for Biden in 2020, Musk has indicated reluctance to support him in the future, further highlighting his disillusionment with the current administration.
Notably, Musk’s engagement with political figures has not been limited to Trump, as he has previously participated in discussions at the White House, including those concerning artificial intelligence. However, his past criticism of Trump, including resigning from advisory councils over climate policy disagreements, underscores his willingness to speak out against political decisions he opposes.
