Can the Trump-Musk alliance win the world?
Chinese commentator Chen Liujun assesses that the alliance between Trump and Musk on the US presidential election stage — regardless whether they ultimately succeed or not — will have a long-term impact on American society, particularly its political landscape.
A question confronts Americans and others concerned about the US and the world: do you want Donald Trump and Elon Musk to win the world?
They are arguably two of the most powerful and wealthiest individuals in recent times, with one being a former US president and the other the newly crowned richest man in the world. They could also be the most creative and disruptive figures in both politics and business.
Now, they are seemingly joining forces to win America — and perhaps winning this superpower would bring them closer to winning the world.
Election interference and bribery?
On 5 October, just a month ahead of the 2024 US presidential election, Musk openly joined Trump onstage at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, sporting a “MAGA” (Make America Great Again) cap and chanting slogans in support of Trump’s candidacy.
With 19 electoral votes, Pennsylvania is the largest swing state, and it was where the assassination attempt on Trump took place in July. Musk’s appearance marked the first time a US billionaire so publicly showed support for a presidential candidate, signifying a full alliance between the two.
Musk is going all in with his support for Trump. Although his public endorsement came only in July, Trump’s Twitter (now X) ban partly motivated Musk’s acquisition of the platform two years ago. Musk viewed the ban as both an infringement on free speech, which he highly values, and a politically motivated move by the Democrats, fueling his shift toward the Republican Party.
If he could secure a million additional votes for Trump, it would almost certainly guarantee victory in the swing states and the presidency.
At the start of the new election cycle, Musk specially funded the America PAC (a super political action committee formed to raise funds and back Donald Trump). According to a report by political finance tracking and nonprofit organisation OpenSecrets, the PAC has spent over US$77 million as of October this year, with approximately US$41 million supporting the Republicans and at least US$35 million directly opposing the Democrats.
On 7 October, Musk also posted a petition on his social media accounts supporting the First and Second Amendments of the US Constitution, which pertain to gun rights and freedom of speech, the main campaign propositions that differentiate Trump from the Democrats. Musk publicly promised a reward of US$47 for each referral of a registered swing state voter that signs his petition, with the goal of getting 1 million signatures.
This strategy cleverly circumvents US legal restrictions, as federal law prohibits the buying and selling of votes — but paying for signatures or recommendations for a petition is not illegal.
However, Musk’s willingness to invest tens of millions of dollars in this effort borders on blatant election bribery. If he could secure a million additional votes for Trump, it would almost certainly guarantee victory in the swing states and the presidency.
... as he grew closer to Musk, Trump began to acknowledge the importance of new energy and new technology, promising to pay more attention to environmental protection if elected.
Long-term impact on American society
Trump is also serious about making changes to appease Musk. His conservative stance, consistently emphasised during his presidency and campaigns, includes policies favourable to the wealthy, such as tax cuts and trade protectionism. However, he has also been critical of big tech companies, accusing them of controlling speech and exaggerating environmental concerns.
Musk’s primary source of income comes from his electric vehicle company Tesla, and he needs the government to strengthen environmental efforts and support the use of new energy technologies.
Trump was previously dismissive of this, but as he grew closer to Musk, Trump began to acknowledge the importance of new energy and new technology, promising to pay more attention to environmental protection if elected.
This arguably unprecedented, overt fusion of money and politics challenges established norms and backroom dealings, making it a moment worth remembering regardless of the outcome.
At the same time, mindful of the impact on Silicon Valley’s tech giants, Trump has softened his anti-monopoly rhetoric during the campaign. He now emphasises tackling government bureaucracy, supporting Musk’s proposal for a government efficiency committee, and has even hinted at the possibility of Musk leading it.
The Trump-Musk alliance in the US presidential election — regardless of its ultimate success — will have a long-term impact on American society, particularly its political landscape. It marks a shift in how the wealthy wield political influence, with a major financier openly entering the electoral arena.
This arguably unprecedented, overt fusion of money and politics challenges established norms and backroom dealings, making it a moment worth remembering regardless of the outcome.
Democracy could be an even more distant concept
This alliance also highlights the role of personality in American politics; both Trump and Musk are strikingly individualistic. Trump has maintained his image as a political outsider, defying conventions and distancing himself from traditional politicians to forge a unique campaign path.
Meanwhile, driven by immense confidence in his wealth and image, Musk openly champions Trump. While not representative of all wealthy individuals, his actions could embolden others to engage more directly in politics.
This alliance also tests the extent to which money, media and other means can influence US politics. Although its effects have been proven many times, Musk’s direct involvement might serve as a counterexample of whether money’s influence in American politics is limited or even ineffective.
In a media interview on 7 October, Musk joked that if Trump were to lose, he himself is finished, expressing concern that political persecution from the Democrats could land him in jail. This highlights how much he has invested in this endeavour as well as his willingness to bear the consequences.
When Trump and Musk join forces, they could be considered one of the most powerful alliances in the world. Whether one agrees with them or not, their joint campaign is a rare historical experience.
With the full support of the world’s richest man, Trump’s electoral chances should receive a significant boost. Although his victory is still not guaranteed, it is nonetheless possibly the best outcome he could achieve.
When Trump and Musk join forces, they could be considered one of the most powerful alliances in the world. Whether one agrees with them or not, their joint campaign is a rare historical experience. If they clinch the highest executive power in the US, they might also earn the submission and awe of the world.
However, this is also a symbol of a high concentration of political and economic power, potentially making democracy even more of a distant concept.
If they fail, it might demonstrate the rationality of American voters and a victory against powerful elites. However, the impact and potential transformation of existing political and economic models should be remembered by the people of the US and the world.
This article was first published in Lianhe Zaobao as “当特朗普结盟马斯克”.
