Musk Teases Republicans About His Presidential Candidate
Elon Musk is making good use of his celebrity position in political circles these days.
Musk’s tweets have taken on a more political tone, or at least received more attention, as he shows support for Republicans and conservatives while increasing his criticism of Democrats and liberals.
It wasn’t always like this.
Musk is an outspoken supporter of climate change, having founded a solar panel company and marketing his electric vehicles as a way to lessen reliance on fossil fuels.
It’s not unexpected that he contributed to Hillary Clinton’s campaign. Musk stated in an interview in 2015, “I hope Trump doesn’t obtain the Republican Party nominee, because I think that’s…that wouldn’t be good.”
Musk participated on Trump’s presidential advisory board of corporate leaders for several months after his election. He resigned after Trump withdrew the US from the Paris Climate Accords. (After all, Musk manufactures electric vehicles.)
Musk relocates Tesla to Texas
Musk now has a far stronger liking for Republicans and conservatives. He famously published a chart earlier this spring claiming that his opinions haven’t changed but that Democrats had moved further left.
He has also relocated Tesla’s headquarters from California to Texas. After only 18 months, Tesla completed construction of its massive manufacturing plant outside Austin, Texas early this year. Musk then stated that the business would still be attempting to obtain permits for the project in California, which is ruled by Democrats.
Elon Musk recently tweeted that he had voted Republican for the first time in a Texas primary election, and that he intended to do so in the future.
For the time being, the major question is who Musk will endorse for president in 2024.
Musk Wishes for a Younger President
Musk indicated last month that he would prefer not to see Trump run, tweeting, “I think a less polarising candidate would be better in 2024.” Musk also stated that he would like someone younger than Trump or Vice President Biden.
Then, this week, Musk responded to a question about who he backed on Twitter with the single word “DeSantis,” presumably referring to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has staked out Trump-like ideas in order to prepare himself for a presidential run in 2024.
DeSantis promptly responded to the comments, saying that he welcomed any and all African-Americans. (Musk, who is white, was born in South Africa under apartheid, when it was still racially separated.)
However, DeSantis may have moved too quickly.
