A Recent Timeline of Elon Musk Going All In on Trump
Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur widely known for his groundbreaking ventures in the electric vehicle (EV) and space exploration industries, has been no stranger to controversy over the years. One of the most intriguing aspects of his public persona has been his association and support for former US President Donald Trump. Musk’s relationship with Trump has evolved over time, and here, we take a look at a recent timeline of Musk going all in on the controversial leader.
August 2016 – Musk attends Trump Tower meeting:
In August 2016, Elon Musk was part of a group of tech executives invited to a meeting at Trump Tower. This gathering aimed to discuss jobs and the economy, and Musk attended alongside prominent figures such as Apple CEO Tim Cook and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. Many speculated that this meeting was evidence of Musk’s support for President Trump, even though Musk later clarified that he was invited as part of an advisory council and not to express personal support.
February 2017 - Musk joins Trump’s business advisory council:
Despite facing backlash from critics and fans alike, Musk joined Trump’s business advisory council in February 2017. This group, known as the Strategic and Policy Forum, consisted of high-profile business leaders who provided advice on economic issues. Musk’s decision to join the council was met with mixed reactions, as many believed it was an opportunity for him to influence Trump on important topics such as climate change.
June 2017 – Musk leaves Trump’s advisory council:
Elon Musk’s tenure on Trump’s business advisory council was short-lived. In June 2017, Musk announced his departure from the council, citing Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement as the primary reason for his resignation. This move marked a significant turning point in Musk’s relationship with Trump and demonstrated his commitment to environmental sustainability.
July 2020 – Musk voices support for Trump’s re-election:
In a surprising turn of events, Elon Musk voiced support for Trump’s re-election bid in July 2020. In response to a tweet, Musk stated that while he wasn’t necessarily in agreement with all of Trump’s policies, he believed Trump’s administration had been effective, particularly in matters related to space exploration. This declaration sparked a significant uproar on social media platforms, with fans and critics alike expressing their disappointment and confusion over Musk’s endorsement of a president who had often unearthed controversy.
January 2021 - Musk criticizes Trump’s handling of Capitol riot:
The storming of the United States Capitol in January 2021 shocked the nation, and Elon Musk publicly criticized Trump’s handling of the situation. On Twitter, Musk expressed his disappointment with the former president’s actions, stating that he did not support the use of violence and that Trump’s words had “shifted the whole thing.” This public condemnation highlighted a further distancing between Musk and Trump, indicating a shift in their once controversial relationship.
Elon Musk’s association with and support for Donald Trump has been a rollercoaster ride filled with twists and turns. From attending meetings and joining advisory councils to offering endorsements and voicing criticism, Musk’s evolving views on Trump demonstrate his knack for complexity and his willingness to engage with leaders irrespective of political affiliations. Musk’s journey serves as a reminder that influential figures can navigate their relationships with politicians in nuanced ways, even if it means facing criticism from a divided public.
