The Wall Street Journal reported that Elon Musk, a billionaire entrepreneur, plans to spend $45 million a year on a newly formed super political action committee (PAC), which supports the campaign of former US President Donald Trump.
On Saturday, it was reported that Musk had donated a “substantial amount” to the group backing Trump. The PAC’s role will be to help Trump prepare for the polls, by promoting early voting, mail-in ballots, and voter registration among residents of swing states before the general election.
Tesla founder plans to donate from next month.
Musk is reportedly one of many major backers for the new fund. Others include Palantir cofounder Joe Lonsdale and former US ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft, as well as cryptocurrency investors Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss.
Musk had in March tried to convince people that he did not financially support either of the candidates. Musk has contributed to both Republicans as well as Democrats, just like any other businessman.
The New York Times reported earlier that “He hasn’t heavily invested in a campaign for president, unlike other American billionaires. He has also divided his contributions between Republicans and Democrats roughly equally over the years.”
Look back at the relationship between Musk and Trump over the years
Musk has officially come out in support of Trump after the former US President escaped a deadly attack at a Pennsylvania rally. However, relations between the two controversial figures have not always been easy.
Musk criticised Trump before the first election of Donald Trump, saying “I feel stronger that he’s probably not the right person.” He doesn’t have the kind of character that would reflect well on the United States.
Musk approved Trump’s choice of Rex Tillerson to be secretary of state after Trump was sworn in.
Musk accepted an invitation later to join two councils that advise the president – Trump’s Manufacturing Jobs Initiative and Strategic and Policy Forum.
In 2017, he resigned from both councils after Trump’s decision not to sign the Paris Climate Agreement.
“[I] Am departing presidential councils. Climate change is real. Musk said that leaving Paris was not good for America and the world.
According to a previous WSJ article, Trump and Musk discussed a possible advisory position for Musk if he regains the White House.
Musk, an immigrant from South Africa, was also a critic of Trump’s decision to ban travelers from muslim countries such as Iraq, Syria and Iran, Sudan, Libya Somalia, Yemen, and Sudan.
The blanket entry ban on citizens of certain predominantly Muslim countries is not a good way to solve the country’s problems. Many of those negatively affected by the policy are staunch supporters of the US. They have done nothing wrong and deserve to be accepted.
Musk had to tread a tightrope with Trump, as Tesla and SpaceX benefited from government tax credits, contracts, and subsidies.
He tried to convince those who were critical of his closeness to Trump that he would be better off working with him on climate change issues.
What does Musk’s support for Trump mean for the US Presidential election?
Musk’s endorsement may attract votes from the tech and business communities, as well from those who admire Musk for his innovative ventures.
Musk’s large social media following could also help Trump’s message reach a larger audience.
Musk’s divisive and controversial statements, on the other hand could alienate some voters.
Musk’s support may also reinforce criticisms about Trump’s connections with wealthy elites, and could harm Trump’s reputation among working-class people.
Musk’s endorsement is important, but it may not have a huge impact on voters’ decisions, as they are influenced by many factors.
The outcome of an election depends on a number of variables including the policies of candidates, their campaign strategies and the voter turnout.
This post Musk-Trump’s relationship goes to the Next Level as Tesla CEO commits $45M a month to the former president’s election campaign appeared first on ICD
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