Technology billionaire Elon Musk appears to be warming to former President Donald J. Trump and his 2024 presidential campaign. Musk, currently the world’s third richest man, recently discussed a technology project aimed at preventing voter fraud with Trump that he and fellow billionaire Nelson Peltz have developed. Additionally, Musk is allegedly pushing his fellow technology billionaires to forgo contributing to Joe Biden‘s 2024 re-election effort.
Musk’s discussions with Trump have led to speculation that the billionaire could join the former President should Trump retake the White House in November’s presidential election. However, the relationship between, arguably, the two most recognizable men in America hasn’t always been so cordial.
During and just after Trump‘s first term in office, the two exchanged barbs frequently in the press and on social media. Musk and Trump’s point of contention was the latter’s electric vehicle business, Tesla, which is heavily reliant on U.S. government subsidies. Trump has long been a critic of the technology.
Despite their differences, the two now appear to have mended fences. The Wall Street Journal reports that the two have met several times during the early months of the 2024 presidential cycle and discussed issues ranging from illegal immigration to science and the U.S. Space Force. Trump has signaled to Musk that he’d like to get him more active in both the campaign and future White House.
According to sources close to Musk, the billionaire’s thaw toward Trump has been primarily motivated by his increasing concerns about the country’s direction under Joe Biden. They claim that Musk sees the “woke mind virus” as a serious threat to American culture, politics, and industry.