Tesla and SpaceX Workers Back Harris Despite Musk’s Support for Trump

Photo : PTI

Billionaire Elon Musk has publicly endorsed former President Donald Trump in the race for the White House, yet employees at his various companies appear to favor Trump's Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris, in their political donations. According to OpenSecrets, a nonprofit organization that tracks campaign contributions and lobbying activities, Tesla workers have contributed $42,824 to Harris' campaign compared to $24,840 for Trump.

The trend continues at Musk's rocket company, SpaceX, where employees have donated $34,526 to Harris versus just $7,652 to Trump. Meanwhile, staff at X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, have given $13,213 to Harris, with contributions to Trump totaling less than $500. While these amounts may seem modest in the context of campaign fundraising, they reflect a political inclination that diverges from Musk's own endorsements.

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Musk, who has labeled left-leaning ideologies as a "woke-mind virus," has been vocal in his support for Trump and has criticized progressive policies. Despite backing President Joe Biden in 2020, Musk has shifted toward the right in recent years. Trump has suggested that if he wins the upcoming election on November 5, he would appoint Musk to lead a government efficiency commission.

OpenSecrets’ data includes contributions from employees, owners, and their immediate family members, as campaign finance laws prohibit corporations from donating directly to federal campaigns. Many of Musk's employees are located in California, a state known for its Democratic leanings. Ross Gerber, CEO of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth and Investment Management, which is a Tesla shareholder and investor in X, noted that this demographic likely influences the donation patterns.

In July, Musk announced plans to relocate the headquarters of X and SpaceX from California to Texas, citing a California gender-identity law that he deemed unacceptable. Gerber warned that such a move could lead to a loss of talent, emphasizing the significant pool of skilled workers available in California.

As the election approaches, the contrasting political donations from Musk's employees suggest a complex relationship between the billionaire's personal endorsements and the views of those who work for him.