Elon Musk Pledges $45M Monthly to Support Pro-Trump PAC
Elon Musk, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO, and currently the world’s wealthiest person, has pledged to donate $45 million per month to a super PAC supporting former President Donald Trump, following the latter’s nomination at the Republican National Convention.
Trump’s Support Broadens With Musk’s Backing
Following an assassination attempt on Trump, Musk extended his endorsement, further bolstering support for the former president’s campaign. With Musk’s massive monthly contributions, the super PAC, America PAC, is poised to relatively match the largest known donation of the 2024 election cycle so far.
The America PAC was founded last month, with funding primarily from a group of Musk’s friends which includes Palantir Technologies co-founder Joe Lonsdale, famous twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, and former U.S. ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft and her husband, Joe Craft, CEO of coal producer Alliance Resource Partners.
Donations Planned Ahead of Elections
Recent reports have suggested that Musk aims to make substantial donations to the super PAC, leading up to the upcoming election. His potential $45 million monthly contributions set the stage for a significantly funded campaign on behalf of Trump.
Whilst the exact amount of Musk’s first donation is yet to be disclosed, he has indicated his plans to start his regular contributions this month.
A Super PAC with a Mission
America PAC has been playing an active role in support of Trump, having already spent approximately $6.6 million since its inception. Its focus is concentrated on voter registration, along with the encouragement of early voting and mail-in ballot requests in swing states.
This approach is conceived to counter Democrats’ “get out the vote” campaigns and their on-ground efforts in the buildup to the November election.
Musk’s Changing Political Stance
Despite Musk’s previous announcement that he did not intend to donate to the Trump or Biden campaigns earlier this year, it appears the tide has turned following the ominous attempt on Trump’s life. Publicly offering his endorsement, Musk hailed Trump’s tenacity, comparing it to that of Theodore Roosevelt.
Reports indicate that Musk and Trump have been in regular contact, culminating in a friendlier relationship between the two. In parallel, Musk has been vocal of his support for the former president, while also criticizing the current administration.
Support Beyond Political Contributions
In addition to his political contributions, Musk also donated $100,000 to a fundraising attempt authorized by Trump. This cause aimed to assist the victims and their families affected by gunfire at a recent rally.
It was at this violent event that a brave rally attendee sacrificed his life to shield his wife and daughter from the shooting spree that also left two more spectators injured.