Can Elon Musk buy Trump the White House? Americans are about to find out.
Elon Musk, the richest person in the world, has said, according to a Wall Street Journal report, that he will donate about $45 million a month to a new super PAC supporting the election of former President Donald Trump.
The power of the uberwealthy to influence the democratic process seems to be growing in this year's increasingly intense and tense election cycle. Musk's planned donations are on an extraordinary scale, but he's hardly the only billionaire attempting to influence voters with megagifts.
Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, reportedly worth more than $106 billion, contributed $20 million last month to a super PAC and a Democratic fund supporting President Joe Biden’s reelection effort. In May, Timothy Mellon, from a family worth an estimated $14.1 billion, gave $50 million to a Trump-aligned super PAC soon after the former president was convicted of 34 felonies. Mellon also gave $20 million to a PAC supporting independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
But Musk is not just your ordinary billionaire. The founder of SpaceX and Tesla ventured into the role of social media influencer with his purchase of Twitter, which he has since redubbed X, in 2022. He claims 190 million followers on the platform, which, for the sake of comparison, would make the Republic of Musk the eighth largest country in the world.
How he uses his money and his voice matter a great deal.
The contributions of the wealthy significantly influence voter dynamics and campaign strategies. The disproportionate power of wealthy individuals can shape electoral outcomes, leaving the average American voiceless.
Musk's monthly donations will bolster the Republican super PAC’s ability to fund massive advertising campaigns, grassroots mobilization efforts and other voter outreach initiatives. Flexing his financial muscle also will amplify his business endeavors, increase Trump's chances of winning and boost his personal favorability with Trump and other Republicans.
Elon Musk makes it official: He's all-in on Trump and is donating money to prove it
SpaceX has large government contracts
That last point is worth emphasizing. SpaceX has a $1.8 billion contract with the U.S. government to build spy satellites, according to Reuters. The company also has contracts worth billions with NASA and the Pentagon to launch satellites into space and to ferry astronauts to the International Space Station.
Musk, like other big donors, isn't giving his money to politicians because he's just a generous fellow. He's buying access and influence with decision-makers in the halls of power.
From Republican National Convention: What did Donald Trump say in accepting the presidential nomination?
Musk also endorsed Trump on X after the former president survived an assassin attempt Saturday.
Given Musk’s significant social media following and influence, his endorsement carries considerable weight. It could lead to increased voter turnout among demographics that align with his views on technology, innovation and economic policies.
Sen. Bernie Sanders pushes back on Musk donation
Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, posted his thoughts on X this week about Musk's outsized influence:
“Elon Musk, the world’s richest person, is donating $45 million a month to the Trump campaign. If democracy is to survive in the US, we need to overturn (Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission) and move to public funding of elections. We need a government that represents all, not just billionaires.”
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The wealthy have long tried to sway elections and influence politicians with large donations. What has changed is the level of funding, and the capacity of the superwealthy to keep giving well beyond the means of even the run-of-the-mill millionaire.
Such donations skew the democratic process and further disenfranchise marginalized voters. These types of contributions should be a pivotal issue in coming elections, reflecting the broader debate on campaign finance reform and the future of equitable political representation.
We cannot let the average American's voice be muffled by money. Our lives and our legacies depend on equity extended to those who can't buy access to the Oval Office.
Marla Bautista is a military fellow column for USA TODAY Opinion.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elon Musk goes all in for Trump. It's America that will pay the price