From Skeptic to Supporter: How Elon Musk Became Trump’s Biggest Ally and Biden’s Fiercest Critic

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A Surprising Shift in Allegiances: Musk and Trump’s Evolving Relationship
Elon Musk, known for his candid opinions and high-profile ventures, has surprised many by transforming from a Trump critic into one of his most vocal supporters. While Musk’s early political endorsements favored Democratic figures like Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020, he has since gravitated toward Donald Trump as their relationship took a more positive turn, particularly as Musk’s ties with Biden soured. His outspoken support for Trump in 2024 stands in sharp contrast to his previously critical stance.

From Critic to Supporter: Musk’s Early Views on Trump
Before Trump’s 2016 victory, Musk voiced skepticism, openly questioning whether Trump had the qualities necessary to represent the United States effectively. Describing Trump as “probably not the right guy” for the presidency, Musk worried about the Republican candidate’s character and the level of “drama” a Trump presidency could bring. By 2022, Musk continued to voice concerns, suggesting that Trump should retire from politics and avoid another bid for office, adding, “Do we really want a bull in a china shop situation every single day!?”

The Biden Rift: Policy Disagreements and Growing Frustration
Musk’s gradual shift away from Democratic leaders began after Biden took office, as the relationship between Musk and the Biden administration became increasingly strained. Describing himself as “half Democrat, half Republican,” Musk initially supported Biden’s campaign. However, his support soon turned to disillusionment, particularly as Biden’s policies seemed, in Musk’s view, to undercut innovation and his enterprises, including Tesla and SpaceX.

Tensions heightened when Tesla was omitted from a White House summit on electric vehicles, despite Tesla’s significant market share in the U.S. EV sector. This perceived snub led Musk to publicly criticize Biden, at one point posting on X that Biden was “still sleeping” when asked why the president hadn’t acknowledged SpaceX’s all-civilian spaceflight.

Further rifts emerged over Biden’s pro-union stance, a position Musk openly opposed, as well as the administration’s handling of economic and innovation policies. By 2022, Musk’s disenchantment with the Democratic Party was clear. In a tweet, he labeled the party “the party of division & hate” and indicated that he was considering a shift to the Republican side.

The Turning Point: Musk’s Purchase of Twitter and Trump’s Reinstatement
A pivotal moment in Musk and Trump’s relationship occurred when Musk acquired Twitter (now X) and reinstated Trump’s account, a significant gesture that demonstrated his willingness to bridge their differences. Although Musk initially hesitated to endorse Trump outright, he admitted that his decision was “a difficult choice.” Following a failed assassination attempt on Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania, Musk extended a full endorsement, publicly supporting Trump’s health and quick recovery.

Campaign Trail and Solidarity: Musk’s Full Support for Trump
In October 2024, Trump returned to Pennsylvania for another rally, where Musk joined him publicly for the first time. Donning a black “Make America Great Again” cap, Musk stood beside Trump, urging Americans to vote in support of his campaign. Musk went as far as to claim that if Trump lost, it might be the “last election,” warning that a win by Kamala Harris could jeopardize freedom, hinting at personal risks, including potential threats to his ownership of X and the possibility of facing jail time.

Declaring Victory: Musk’s Final Word on the Election
As Trump’s victory in the 2024 election was announced, Musk didn’t hesitate to declare it on X. “The people of America gave Donald Trump a crystal clear mandate for change tonight,” he wrote, highlighting the former president’s newfound mandate for leadership. His bold statement underscored his complete shift from critic to supporter, marking a new chapter in the relationship between two of the most high-profile figures in American business and politics.