In a surprising political pivot, Elon Musk has evolved from a supporter of Joe Biden and critic of Donald Trump to become one of Trump’s most vocal proponents. This transformation marks a significant shift in the relationship between the billionaire entrepreneur and the political landscape of the United States.
Elon Musk and Biden: From collaboration to criticism
Initially, Elon Musk maintained a neutral stance in American politics, describing himself as “half Democrat, half Republican.” In 2020, Musk supported Joe Biden’s presidential bid, believing in the Democratic party’s vision for the future. However, his relationship with Biden started to sour soon after the president took office.
Tensions began to escalate in 2021 when Musk voiced frustration over Tesla’s exclusion from the White House summit on electric vehicles, despite the company holding a dominant 74% market share in the U.S. EV industry. This perceived slight intensified when Musk’s company SpaceX launched an all-civilian space flight, and President Biden failed to acknowledge it. Musk responded with a jab on Twitter, now known as X: “He’s still sleeping.”
Over the next year, Musk’s dissatisfaction with the administration grew. He openly criticized Biden’s policies and support for labor unions, expressing skepticism about the president’s effectiveness: “Biden is unable to get a lot done.” By 2022, Musk’s rhetoric sharpened as he called the Democratic party “the party of division & hate” and announced a shift in allegiance to the Republican side.
From skepticism to support: Elon Musk and Trump
Elon Musk’s early opinions on Trump were far from supportive. Before Trump’s presidency in 2016, Musk doubted Trump’s suitability for office, saying, “He doesn’t seem to have the sort of character that reflects well on the United States.” In 2022, he suggested it was time for Trump to step aside, writing, “I don’t hate the man, but it’s time for Trump to hang up his hat & sail into the sunset,” and warning that Trump’s return would be “too much drama.”
However, the turning point came in late 2022 when Musk acquired Twitter and reinstated Trump’s suspended account, acknowledging that the decision was a “difficult choice.” The two began to engage more amicably over the next two years, though Musk refrained from full endorsement until this year.
A rally and an assassination attempt: The shift solidifies
The bond between Musk and Trump deepened after a pivotal moment in 2024: an attempted assassination at a rally in Pennsylvania. Following the incident, Musk was quick to voice his support for X, writing, “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery.” This endorsement was a stark reversal from his previous critical stance.
In October, Musk publicly showed his support by joining Trump at another Pennsylvania rally, donning a “Make America Great Again” cap. There, he urged voters to back Trump, warning that if Trump lost, it could be “the last election” and that it was imperative to “save American democracy.” Musk even suggested that a victory for Vice President Kamala Harris would mean severe repercussions for him personally, including threats to shut down X and potential imprisonment for his support of Trump.
Musk’s declaration of victory
As the 2024 presidential election results rolled in, Musk preempted official announcements and declared Trump the victor. “The people of America gave Donald Trump a crystal clear mandate for change tonight,” Musk posted on X, signaling not only his confidence in the result but his full embrace of Trump’s vision for the future.
Elon Musk’s journey from Biden supporter to Trump’s advocate illustrates the shifting alliances in American politics, shaped by policy disagreements, personal experiences, and pivotal events. Today, he stands as one of Trump’s most prominent backers, signaling a significant recalibration of his public and political persona.