Elon Musk is reportedly giving Trump one other $100 million simply after the President did an advert for Tesla on the White Home.
Over the past election cycle, Musk contributed greater than $250 million to Trump’s marketing campaign by way of donations to political motion committees (PACs).
Trump has received, however he nonetheless wants cash.
Whereas he can’t search reelection, the mid-term and Congress/Senate elections are coming. The GOP is seeking to improve its management over the Home and Senate. Moreover, Trump doesn’t have the total help of the GOP, and Musk has made clear that he plans to speculate cash within the primaries towards any GOP members who don’t help Trump.
Now, Axios and NYT report that Musk advised the White Home that he plans to contribute one other $100 million in political donations to Trump and his PACs.
The information comes only a day after President Trump held a literal infomercial for Tesla, an organization managed by Musk, on the White Home.
It raises considerations concerning the advert being a quid professional quo between Musk and Trump.
The publicity stunt additionally occurred after Tesla’s inventory crashed 15% the day earlier than and 50% since its peak achieved in December.
Tesla’s inventory value is essential for Musk. It’s his most important supply of wealth, and he usually makes use of loans towards the inventory to finance his way of life and generally spend money on different corporations.
Electrek’s Take
It’s exhausting to not see that as a quid professional quo since Trump’s whole character is about “making offers,” and he hasn’t been shy about asking for political contributions in trade for favors earlier than.
To me, it appears like Elon is panicking.
Tesla’s US gross sales amid protests towards the corporate over Elon’s political involvement are doubtless badly affected, and that is his answer: to intertwin Tesla’s model even additional with essentially the most controversial US President in trendy historical past.
It’s so dumb. I’m positive that Trump can assist encourage a number of individuals purchase Tesla automobiles, however long run, this may harm the model much more.