Tech
Elon Musk’s Political Awakening
Explore the journey of Elon Musk’s political awakening, his evolving views, and the impact on his businesses and the tech industry. Learn how his beliefs shape his decisions and influence the world around him.
A little over two months ago, Elon Musk found himself at Montsorrel, the palatial Palm Beach compound of Nelson Peltz, the famed activist investor. Mr. Musk knew the sprawling grounds well, having stayed in the guesthouse.
A Unique Gathering
The topic of conversation was a bit different than usual, though: Mr. Peltz had brought together a group of billionaire conservative financiers — including Steve Wynn, the Las Vegas casino magnate, and the hedge-funder John Paulson — to discuss concerns about Republican Senate control and the party’s ground game.
Elon Musk’s Foreboding Message
During the meeting, Mr. Musk shared a darker message. He expressed his belief that if President Biden won, millions of undocumented immigrants would be legalized, leading to the demise of democracy. He emphasized the urgency for Mr. Trump to win the election.
Unconventional Advice
Despite his limited experience in Republican politics compared to the veteran financiers present, Mr. Musk offered unconventional advice. He highlighted the power of word-of-mouth over traditional political advertising, drawing on Tesla’s success as an example.
He suggested a grassroots approach, where each person asks two others to support Mr. Trump, creating a ripple effect that could secure the former president’s victory.
Transformation of Elon Musk
Elon Musk’s political journey has seen a remarkable transformation. Once an idealistic supporter of Democrats like Barack Obama, he has now become a staunch ally of Mr. Trump, endorsing him shortly after a dramatic event.