Dem
47
GOP
53
In 2024, Elon Musk spent almost $300 million to buy Donald Trump a second term. He also bought himself a job as Dogey-in-Chief, dismantling the federal government. In March, Musk opened his wallet again and spent $25 million to try to buy a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court for a Republican candidate. His candidate was crushed. Then, in May, he drew back to lick his wounds and said he was going to step back and not donate any more money to campaigns. Republicans were dismayed.
But guess what? That phase didn't last long. He changed his mind and will finance some Republicans in the midterms. After all, for someone worth over $250 billion, blowing $25 million on a state Supreme Court race is like a person worth $200,000 donating $20 to a losing candidate. It isn't that big a deal.
So Musk is already donating big money to help Republicans in the midterms. What caused the change of heart? He had dinner at Number One Observatory Circle recently and spoke with the fellow who lives there, J.D. Vance. That could have been it. Or a simple calculation that no matter how much money Musk gives to Republicans, he won't be forced to eat dog food next year and the payback if his candidates win could be enormous. He understands that having members of Congress in debt to him could be valuable down the road.
It is also possible that Musk regrets his spat with Trump and wants to be on the right side of the mercurial president on account of the many huge government contracts that have been awarded to Musk's companies. Helping Republicans keep control of the House is something that Trump probably appreciates, because he knows that a Democratic House is likely to impeach him again and will certainly block his budget and every proposed law. So donating to the NRSC, the NRCC, and other Republican committees may help mitigate some of the bad blood between Musk and Trump. (V)