POLITICS
Why is Elon Musk supporting Donald Trump if he is anti-EV?
The capitalist tycoon has made his fortune by investing in electric car companies, at odds with the Republican party’s messaging.
In a move that has may have left many perplexed, Elon Musk, boss of Tesla and a prominent advocate for electric vehicles (EVs), has thrown his weight behind Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.
This decision comes despite Trump’s well-documented opposition to EVs and his criticism of policies that have supported the growth of the EV industry.
Musk’s support for Trump became evident after the former president narrowly survived an assassination attempt. The Tesla CEO took to social media to express his wishes for Trump’s recovery, marking the first time he has openly endorsed the Republican candidate.
This public display of support was followed by reports that Musk is considering contributing a staggering $45 million per month to a pro-Trump super PAC, signaling a significant financial commitment to the former president’s campaign.
What is behind Musk’s support?
Musk’s decision to back Trump appears to be a strategic move for his company and his wealth, driven by his belief that removing government subsidies will ultimately benefit Tesla more than its competitors. He has argued that “Take away the subsidies. It will only help Tesla.” A 2015 report from the Los Angeles Times reported that Musk’s companies had received nearly $5 billion in government subsidies.
Musk seems confident that Tesla’s technological lead will allow it to thrive even without the support of government incentives, though it remains to be seen if this will be the case.
However, Musk’s political shift away from the Democratic party, which he has criticized for its “leftward movement,” may also be a contributing factor to his support for Trump.
This perceived ideological realignment has led Musk to distance himself from the Democratic party, which has traditionally been more supportive of clean energy initiatives, such as President Joe Biden’s Electric Vehicle Tax Credit. Despite doing little in practice, Biden’s administration has also voiced its support for worker’s unions, an attitude at odds with Musk.