Elon Musk’s evolving relationship with Donald Trump has shifted dramatically from initial criticism to enthusiastic support, especially as Trump’s 2024 presidential run gained momentum. While the Tesla and SpaceX CEO was once a vocal critic of Trump and his policies, Musk now stands firmly behind him in the final stretch of the race, following a tumultuous relationship with the Biden administration.
Musk’s Early Criticism of Trump
Musk, who once described himself as “half Democrat, half Republican,” was critical of Donald Trump during his 2016 campaign. Musk supported Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020. He even expressed doubts about Trump’s leadership, describing him as “probably not the right guy” and worried about the “drama” a second Trump term could bring. In 2022, Musk stated that Trump should “hang up his hat” and “sail into the sunset,” adding that his presidency was “too much drama.”
The Breakdown with Biden
Musk’s relationship with President Biden soured after the latter’s election. The first sign of tension came in 2021 when Musk publicly complained on X (formerly Twitter) that Tesla had been excluded from a White House summit on electric vehicles, despite the company selling 74% of the EVs in the US. His frustration deepened in September 2021 when Biden failed to congratulate SpaceX after the successful launch of an all-civilian space flight. Musk mocked Biden’s inaction with a post saying, “He’s still sleeping.”
Musk also criticized Biden’s policies supporting labor unions, accusing the administration of being ineffective. In 2022, Musk declared that the Democratic Party had become “the party of division & hate” and hinted at a shift toward the Republican side, although he continued to withhold support for Trump at the time.
From Criticism to Support: Musk and Trump’s Growing Bond
The turning point in Musk’s relationship with Trump came in 2022 when he acquired Twitter and reinstated Trump’s account. Musk had previously distanced himself from Trump, calling his decision to endorse Trump in the 2024 election a “difficult choice,” but this stance shifted after a failed assassination attempt against the former president at a rally in Pennsylvania.
“I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery,” Musk posted on X, following the attack. As Trump resumed his rallies, Musk appeared alongside him, wearing a black “Make America Great Again” cap. He became one of Trump’s most prominent supporters, warning voters that losing this election could be disastrous for the future of American democracy.
Musk even went so far as to claim that if Kamala Harris won, she would “shut down X” and imprison him for supporting Trump’s campaign.
Musk Declares Trump’s Victory
As the 2024 election unfolded, Musk’s enthusiasm for Trump became clear. He publicly declared Trump as the victor in the race, stating on X: “The people of America gave Donald Trump a crystal clear mandate for change tonight.”
From supporting Trump’s rivals in previous elections to becoming his most vocal cheerleader, Musk’s journey highlights a dramatic shift in allegiance, fueled by his growing dissatisfaction with the Biden administration and his rising support for Trump’s populist message.