The bond between Elon Musk and President Trump is becoming increasingly unbreakable to the tune of millions of dollars. This week, the world’s richest man revealed to some White House advisers that he plans to donate an additional $100 million to groups linked to the MAGA leader’s political action.
This would be an unprecedented gesture for a member of the administration, albeit “part-time.” Never before has an official made donations of this size to a sitting president.
The groups leading Mr. Trump’s outside activities include Make America Great Again Inc. a super PAC, and Securing American Greatness, a nonprofit political organization. It is unclear whether Musk’s money will end up in the coffers of these groups or to a new entity that Trump’s team may create in the coming days.
During the last election cycle, Musk, who currently serves as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, (DOGE) has already donated about $277 million to Trump’s campaign, almost all of it through America PAC, which he founded last year. Now, the world’s richest man would seem to be intent on funding even those organizations he does not directly control.
Some insiders saw this decision as a way to defuse tensions that had arisen with some federal officials, who have accused Musk of pursuing his own plans without properly consulting the rest of the administration.
Over the past weekend, Musk traveled on Air Force One with Trump, and later dined with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday night after there had been some disagreements between the two. Despite a few skirmishes with members of the administration, the relationship between him and the U.S. president appears to be firmer than ever.
On Tuesday, after Tesla–another company owned by Musk–was the subject of controversy and protests in various parts of the world, Trump, as a sign of closeness to his trusted supporter, had five cars displayed outside the White House.
“I think he’s been treated very unfairly by a very small group of people,” Trump said, referring to Musk. “And I just want people to know that he can’t be penalized for being a patriot,” he added.
