In an election night turn of events that highlighted the intersection of business, politics, and tech, Elon Musk emerged as a central figure in Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Amid a cascade of Republican victories, Musk’s support played a notable role in mobilizing young voters, a group traditionally aligned with Democrats. The Tesla and X (formerly Twitter) CEO not only amplified Trump’s campaign messaging through his platform, but he also injected millions into America PAC, a pro-Trump super-PAC, and coordinated extensive get-out-the-vote operations. Musk’s efforts have been credited with aiding the GOP’s victory and giving Trump his first popular vote win, while also maintaining Republican control of both the House and the Senate.
At Trump’s early morning victory speech, Musk received an enthusiastic shout-out. “Let me tell you, we have a new star,” Trump declared, adding, “A star is born—Elon. He’s an amazing guy.” This public praise cemented Musk’s rising influence within the GOP, setting the stage for his continued involvement in U.S. politics.
Celebrating his political triumph, Musk posted on X a meme of himself entering the Oval Office carrying a sink, a nod to his infamous Twitter entrance in 2022 when he acquired the platform for $44 billion. “Let that sink in,” Musk captioned the image. The photo symbolized not only his acquisition of a powerful social media tool but also his new prominence on the political stage.
Following Trump’s victory, Tesla stock experienced a surge, with shares jumping 13% in pre-market trading, an increase that equates to roughly $100 billion in added market value. Investors are hopeful that under Trump’s administration, investigations into Tesla—particularly concerning its self-driving software—may lose traction. The potential for a more lenient regulatory environment sent a wave of optimism through Tesla’s investor base, bolstering the stock price and Musk’s net worth.
Political experts say Musk’s enthusiastic endorsement of Trump marked a significant shift in the business magnate’s political stance. While Musk had previously refrained from explicit political endorsements, his relationship with the Democratic Party had frayed over the years. Musk’s disenchantment dates back to the early days of the pandemic, when California’s stay-at-home mandates threatened to close Tesla’s Fremont factory, sparking a fierce battle with local Democratic officials.
Musk’s disillusionment intensified when President Biden snubbed Tesla at a prominent electric vehicle summit. Despite Tesla’s position as a global EV leader, Biden’s administration celebrated unionized auto manufacturers while overlooking Musk’s achievements. The turning point came, however, following an assassination attempt on Trump in July. Musk responded by going “all in” on supporting Trump’s re-election, rallying his extensive social media following to join him in endorsing Trump.
Now, Musk’s political vision goes beyond social media influence. According to Trump and Musk, the Tesla CEO will head a newly created “Department of Governmental Efficiency” or DOGE—a nod to Musk’s favorite cryptocurrency, Dogecoin. This department is rumored to aim at slashing federal spending by up to $2 trillion. Critics warn that such drastic cuts could destabilize public services, but Trump’s base sees Musk’s management style as a path to fiscal discipline.
The victory has also highlighted ethical concerns around Musk’s actions. Reports surfaced during the campaign alleging mistreatment of America PAC canvassers, many of whom claimed they were misled into working long hours under severe conditions. Despite the controversy, Musk’s PAC has continued to operate, and Musk has indicated his intention to influence the 2026 midterms, judicial elections, and district attorney races, where he has advocated for “common-sense” policies.
The election outcome not only underscores Musk’s rising political influence but also the potential for his policies and corporate priorities to reshape the American political landscape. Despite Musk’s critics, his supporters believe his unique blend of innovation and efficiency will positively impact government operations. However, others remain wary, cautioning that his growing power could diminish democratic safeguards and tilt governmental priorities toward personal interests.
As Trump prepares for his return to office, Elon Musk stands poised as one of the most powerful figures not just in tech but in politics—a true “star” of the modern Republican movement. With Tesla stock climbing and Musk’s influence extending from Wall Street to Washington, D.C., the next four years promise to be transformative for both his business empire and the political landscape of the United States.