Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has ignited political controversy by declaring that U.S. President Donald Trump would not have won the 2024 election without his substantial financial support and campaign efforts.
In a series of pointed posts on X, Musk stated, “Without me, Trump would have lost the election. [Democrats] would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate. Such ingratitude.” His remarks follow Trump’s comments to reporters, downplaying Musk’s contribution. “I think I would have won, Susie [Wiles] would say I would have won Pennsylvania easily anyway,” said Trump, referring to his campaign manager and current chief of staff.
Musk reportedly donated nearly $290 million to Trump’s campaign and other Republican candidates in 2024. The funds helped mobilize thousands of volunteers across key swing states, particularly in Pennsylvania, where Musk launched a lottery offering $1 million per day to individuals who signed onto Republican causes. His presence alongside Trump at multiple rallies further amplified his influence during the campaign.
The 2024 election saw Republicans achieve a political trifecta, securing the White House, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Senate. Musk’s contributions were seen by many as instrumental in this sweeping victory.
However, the alliance between the tech mogul and Trump appears to be unraveling. Musk recently resigned from his short-lived position at the Department of Government Efficiency after just 129 days. Following his departure, he began openly criticizing Trump’s budget bill, branding it a “disgusting abomination” and calling out lawmakers who supported it: “Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong.”
In response to Musk’s attacks, Trump expressed disappointment. “Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore,” he said during a Thursday briefing at the White House.
Despite Trump presenting Musk with a golden key on May 30 in recognition of his efforts, the relationship has quickly soured. As tensions escalate between the former allies, Musk’s remarks highlight a deeper rift within the Republican leadership one that could reshape future alliances on the American political stage.
