Elon Musk To Cut Political Spending After Heavily Backing Trump In 2024

Washington: Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and head of the United States Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has announced that he will reduce his political spending after heavily supporting Trump in 2024.

Musk’s statement comes at a time when he is facing significant consumer and stock-price pressure over his involvement with US President Donald Trump’s administration. Despite this, he reaffirmed his commitment to remaining Tesla’s CEO for the next five years.

When asked about his political donations amounting to at least $250 million in support of Trump’s election, Musk stated that he would “do a lot less in the future.”

"I think I’ve done enough," he said.

Musk faced tough questions during a virtual appearance at the Qatar Economic Forum, following his recent trip to Doha as part of Trump’s Middle East visit.

The SpaceX and Starlink chief offered terse responses and became combative when questioned about his businesses and how his political involvement had affected them.

When asked, “Do you see yourself and are you committed to still being the chief executive of Tesla in five years’ time?”

Musk responded simply, “Yes.”

Pressed further on whether he was certain about continuing as Tesla’s CEO, he added, “I can't still be here if I'm dead.”

Tesla has faced intense scrutiny as Musk worked alongside Trump under the Department of Government Efficiency, particularly amid its campaign to cut federal government spending.

When asked whether his experiences had made him reconsider his political involvement, Musk responded, “I did what needed to be done.”

"I'm not someone who has ever committed violence, yet massive violence was committed against my companies, and massive violence was threatened against me," Elon Musk added.

With inputs from AP