Musk donates to pro-Trump group in major political move that can swing 2024 race

As the race to the White House intensifies, billionaire Elon Musk has donated to a Super Political Action Committee (Super-PAC) working towards getting former President Donald Trump elected in the 2024 US Presidential elections. The move is touted as a major gambit by one of the richest men in the world as he tries to make his imprint in the American political landscape.

People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that Musk contributed to a low-profile group called America PAC. However, it is still unclear exactly how much he donated to the group but sources called it a “sizable amount”. Interestingly, the figure will be known soon, since the PAC is next to disclose its list of donors on July 15.

Musk’s latest contribution marks a significant shift from his previous stance of being “politically independent”. In the past, the Tesla CEO has been accused of espousing right-leaning views and assailing Democrats. While Musk has yet to publically endorse any presidential candidate, Chris Gober, America PAC’s treasurer has declined to comment as well.

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Super PAC: The pro-Trump group Musk donated to 

The group named America PAC is working mostly behind the scenes to boost the Trump campaign. Their “get out and vote” efforts are reportedly being conducted most intensively in key battleground states that will determine the outcome of the elections. However, Federal Election Commission disclosures didn’t detail where work is actually being conducted.

The group majorly focus on door-to-door persuasion as a recent ruling by the FEC allowed super PACs to coordinate with campaigns on voter outreach. In light of this, America PAC hired In Field Strategies, a national grassroots firm that has also worked for the Republican National Committee.

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Musk’s decision to donate to a pro-Trump group is being touted as a major blow to US President Joe Biden’s bid for the White House. It is pertinent to note that Biden’s campaign is already marred with concerns about his age and his mental acuity.

What’s at stake for Musk

Musk derives his wealth primarily from his holdings in electric vehicle maker Tesla Inc., SpaceX and X.  His companies have undertaken sizable government contracts and have often clashed with federal agencies over regulations.

However, some of Trump’s proposed policies, such as dismantling Biden’s measures to transition the US to electric vehicles can have a direct impact on Tesla’s standing. In the past, the two business moguls have clashed over the matter.

However, over the years, the two have grown closer with the billionaire advising the former president on electric vehicles and crypto policy. “He [Trump] does call me out of the blue for no reason,” Musk said at Tesla’s annual meeting last month.

With inputs from agencies.