Tesla CEO Elon Musk has categorically denied reports that he plans to donate $45 million a month to a Super PAC dedicated to supporting Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. The billionaire entrepreneur addressed the claims during an appearance on Jordan Peterson’s show, calling them “simply not true.”
“I am not donating $45 million a month to Trump,” Musk stated unequivocally. However, he did confirm the creation of a new political action committee, America PAC, aimed at promoting meritocracy and individual freedom. “Now what I have done is that I have created a PAC or Super PAC or whatever you want to call it,” he explained.
Super PACs, or Political Action Committees, allow donors to contribute unlimited amounts of money independently of candidates’ campaigns. These organizations can wield significant influence in elections, though donations to individual candidates and non-Super PACs are subject to strict caps.
Following his interview with Peterson, Musk took to social media platform X to further clarify his position. Responding to a clip from the interview, he reiterated, “Yeah, it’s ridiculous. I am making some donations to America PAC, but at a much lower level and the key values of the PAC are supporting a meritocracy & individual freedom. Republicans are mostly, but not entirely, on the side of merit & freedom.”
This denial comes amid significant developments in the 2024 presidential race. Vice President Kamala Harris has secured the Democratic nomination following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race, endorsing Harris as his successor.
Additionally, the New York Times reported that former aides from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s presidential campaign have joined the mysterious Super PAC. Generra Peck, who initially managed DeSantis’s campaign, and Phil Cox, a former head of the Republican Governors Association, are now involved with the PAC. Their involvement is expected to lend credibility to the organization within Republican circles.
“The intent is to promote the principles that made America great in the first place,” Musk elaborated during his conversation with Peterson. “I wouldn’t say that I’m for example Maga,” he added, referring to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan. “I think America is great. I’m more M-A-G, make America greater.”
Musk did not disclose the exact amount he plans to donate to America PAC, which has already garnered support from notable figures in the tech industry. The Times reported that Joe Lonsdale, co-founder of software company Palantir with Peter Thiel, has backed the PAC. Thiel is a significant political donor and supporter of Trump’s new vice-presidential pick, Ohio Senator JD Vance.
The Wall Street Journal also noted contributions from the Winklevoss twins, prominent cryptocurrency entrepreneurs. Known for their outspoken criticism of President Biden’s regulatory stance on cryptocurrency, they praised Trump in June as “pro-Bitcoin, pro-crypto, pro-business.”
As the election approaches, the influence of America PAC and its high-profile supporters is likely to shape the political landscape. While Musk’s denial may quell some speculation, the activities and funding of Super PACs like America PAC will remain under scrutiny as the campaign unfolds.
