Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla Inc., may be considering a return to the MAGA movement, despite his tense relationship with President Donald Trump. This speculation has arisen after Vice President JD Vance signaled that the contingent would welcome Musk back.
Reuniting The Trump Election Campaign Gang
Vance expressed his hope that Musk would “come back into the fold” by the time of the midterms. Prominent figures within the MAGA movement have been urging a reconciliation between Musk and the movement, citing the importance of Musk’s support and financial contributions to Trump’s victory.
Roger Stone, a MAGA-aligned political strategist, stated that “it is time for MAGA to mend fences with Elon Musk for the greater good of saving the country and winning the midterm elections.”
Musk’s Occasional Support For Donald Trump Camp
Despite their tense relationship, Musk has occasionally offered his support to Trump. In June, Musk donated over $15 million to the GOP, and he has also praised Vance on social media, calling him a “good guy.”
Musk has also defended Trump on occasion, including after the president’s comments on the Jeffrey Epstein case. However, their relationship remains complicated, with Trump’s policies on electric vehicles and climate change potentially hurting Musk’s businesses.
Trump’s Anti-EV Policies and Their Impact on Musk’s Businesses
Trump’s axing of the $7,500 Federal EV credit and relaxation of CAFE norms could hurt Tesla sales, which are already dwindling globally. Additionally, the Trump EPA’s proposal to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which is the foundation of the US’s major climate action laws and emissions standards, could take away legal pressure on automakers to keep emissions in check.
SpaceX and the Golden Dome
The Pentagon recently unveiled details about Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense system, but notably did not mention SpaceX, which was once a frontrunner for key contracts within the project. This omission has raised questions about the future of SpaceX’s involvement in the project.
As the speculation surrounding Musk’s potential return to the MAGA movement continues, it remains to be seen how this will impact his businesses and relationships with key figures in the movement.