Trump and Musk's Election Game

During this U.S. election, Musk's support for Trump is surprisingly strong. Not only did he invest $75 million in campaign funds in the third quarter, but he also actively campaigned for him on social media platforms. Recently, Musk even launched a lottery campaign to mobilize voters in support, showing his full commitment in both manpower and financial resources.

For a highly influential and controversial entrepreneur, it is not wise to take such a clear stance. In a contentious election where the outcome is uncertain, a slight misstep could lead to risks concerning political and personal safety. Looking back a few years, the relationship between Musk and Trump could hardly be described as harmonious, as the two often clashed in public. So, what has caused Musk to change his attitude and extend such strong support?

Amid the undercurrents of the election, the trading of interests is quietly taking place.

Musk's Comprehensive Support

Trump recently stated in a speech that Musk has given him the utmost support. In fact, since making a clear statement in July, Musk's level of support has indeed been extraordinary.

In terms of funding, according to disclosures from the Federal Committee, Musk donated $75 million to a political action committee supporting Trump in the third quarter. Although this figure is below market expectations, it still makes Musk the second-largest donor, second only to casino mogul Adelson.

For Trump, Musk's financial support is like a timely gift. This year, the Democratic Party has maintained an advantage in fundraising, raising $633 million in just the third quarter, which is four times that of Trump's campaign. Faced with this disadvantage, Trump has been striving to seek more support, even going so far as to pressure his supporters.

In addition to financial support, Musk's influence in public opinion cannot be underestimated. With 200 million followers, Musk not only announced his support for Trump but also held an exclusive interview in August to promote Trump, attracting millions of viewers. Since then, their relationship has become increasingly close, and they have coordinated effectively in public promotion.

In October, Trump held a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, where Musk was invited to attend and gave a speech praising Trump's leadership style, showcasing the close relationship between the two.

Recently, Musk launched a bold initiative: randomly selecting a voter participating in the petition campaign from key swing states and awarding one lucky person $1 million every day. Although this approach may carry legal risks, Musk continues to push forward, and two winners have already been announced.

Musk's actions clearly carry a high level of risk. Campaigning for Trump could not only face compliance issues but also affect his business interests. However, Musk seems to have made up his mind and has put in tremendous effort for this election.

The Shift from Opposition to Cooperation

Looking back at 2017, when Trump had just taken office, he invited Musk to be a White House advisor, but after Trump withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement, the two quickly went their separate ways. Since then, Musk has gradually leaned towards the Democratic Party, and his relationship with Trump has hit rock bottom.

In 2022, Musk publicly stated that Trump should exit the political arena. Trump retaliated by saying that Musk had come to the White House asking for help, claiming that without government subsidies, Musk's projects would be worthless.

However, less than two years later, the two reconciled. Musk explained that supporting Trump was because the current Democratic Party's views do not align with his values. But it is difficult to explain this 180-degree turn just by ideology; interests are the fundamental reason.

The relationship between Musk and the Democratic Party began to deteriorate when the Biden administration seemingly intended to exclude Tesla. In August 2021, the electric vehicle summit organized by the Biden administration invited several automakers but notably did not invite Tesla. Subsequently, due to issues such as the wealth tax and opposition to unions, Musk's conflicts with the government continued to deepen.

During Biden's term, companies owned by Musk have become targets of at least 20 regulatory investigations. At the same time, government subsidies have also become difficult to obtain. The Federal Communications Commission has revoked SpaceX's application for nearly $900 million in federal funds, and Tesla is also facing multiple safety investigations.

These events made Musk feel he was being politically persecuted. Coupled with some changes in his personal life, Musk gradually shifted towards the Republican camp and ultimately officially endorsed Trump in July this year.

Undercurrents of Interest Exchange

Behind Trump's support, there is obviously a certain commitment. Although Trump did not previously support electric vehicles, his attitude has softened after aligning with Musk.

According to Trump, if he is elected, he will establish a "Government Efficiency Committee" led by Musk. The committee will be responsible for auditing the federal government's finances and performance and making recommendations for reform.

On the surface, it seems to be about bringing in external experts to improve government efficiency. But in reality, this position could allow Musk to influence government regulatory decisions, which presents a clear conflict of interest for Musk, who has been receiving substantial subsidies for the long term.

For Trump, choosing Musk also has its considerations. During his previous term, Trump, as a political newcomer, had disagreements with the traditional establishment. This time he has learned from his lessons and started to cultivate political allies more suitable for himself. Choosing the highly influential Musk, who is also a businessman, can add new strength to his government.

However, Musk's choice also brings enormous risks. He has repeatedly mentioned that he may face personal safety threats and even the possibility of assassination. This may be a strategy to protect himself, and it reflects his concerns about the consequences of failure.

For Musk, this election has become a gamble where failure is not an option. Fortunately, Trump's election prospects seem good at the moment, as he is leading in polls in several key states. The cryptocurrency market has also reacted positively to this.

Regardless of the outcome, it is certain that Musk and Trump, this pair of利益同盟, are tightly bound on the same boat. Their fate will be revealed in the upcoming election.