366 million dollars. That is the amount Elon Musk has already invested in the US midterm elections in November. With this, he has already surpassed the total amount of his contribution to Trump's victory two years ago, but this time he is choosing a quiet approach.
The New York Times obtained insight into the donations Musk has made to political candidates this year. The lion's share of 158 million went to the Senate Leadership Fund, the fund that supports Republican Senate candidates. Another 76 million he gave to his own America PAC, a political organization that campaigns for the party for about forty crucial Congressional seats.
He also invested 10 million dollars in a campaign organization that supports Republican Ken Paxton in Musk's home state of Texas. Paxton is trailing Democrat Talarico in the polls, which is notable for a right-wing candidate in the conservative state. Additionally, Musk donated an unknown seven-figure amount to various candidates. He did this in a way that does not have to be reported by law.
No handing out checks
Musk also gave 290 million to Trump's campaign in the 2024 presidential election. His strategy is different this time, notes The New York Times. Whereas he previously opted for large campaign events where he controversially handed out million-dollar checks to voters in swing states, now he mostly stays in the background.
The newspaper also noticed that, unlike the previous election year, he largely remains silent about the midterms on his busy X account. This year, there were only four posts about candidates in important races.
Under scrutiny
Musk's expenditures are welcome in a year when Republican candidates are under fire due to the unpopular policies of President Trump, such as high fuel prices caused by the war with Iran. The money is used not only to heavily advertise candidates but also for personally recruiting votes among conservative voters: this weekend, 3,000 recruiters paid by Musk were out canvassing.
Musk's millions thus give the Republicans a significant advantage in fundraising: his contribution alone is more than all the donors of the Democrats combined. A spokesperson for that party says that Musk wants to buy the elections for the Republicans despite "unpopular candidates, an unpopular president, and an unpopular economy."
Musk is the richest man on earth, with a fortune hovering around one trillion dollars. If the Republicans lose their majority in Congress, Musk can expect the Democrats to scrutinize his activities. For example, he has lucrative contracts with the US government for his companies like SpaceX and had a controversial role in the radical downsizing of the US government.