WSJ reports Musk’s alleged contact with Putin as he backs Trump’s campaign, raising questions about his influence and role in U.S. politics.
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| Elon Musk faces controversy after reports of regular contact with Putin amid his active support for Trump’s 2024 bid and recent DOJ warnings. Image Courtesy: Collected |
Washington, USA - October 27, 2024:
The recent Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report on Elon Musk’s alleged ongoing communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin has sparked significant debate, especially given Musk's substantial involvement in U.S. politics. While the Kremlin has denied the claim, the report raises critical questions about Musk's political influence, particularly as he advocates strongly for former President Donald Trump’s 2024 election bid.
Musk, a prominent business figure as CEO of SpaceX and Tesla and owner of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), has reportedly dedicated immense financial and social capital to Trump’s campaign. Musk’s America PAC, with an estimated $118 million in donations, has actively promoted Trump’s candidacy, with Musk even appearing alongside Trump at campaign events. This alliance underscores Musk's political pivot; previously a supporter of Barack Obama, he now frequently posts conservative viewpoints on X, where he criticizes the Biden administration's policies and spreads contentious rhetoric about immigration and conspiracy theories.
The reported DOJ warning over Musk’s America PAC’s million-dollar giveaways to registered voters has also stirred controversy. Federal law restricts financial incentives related to voting, and while the DOJ has not explicitly accused Musk of violating regulations, it highlights legal concerns around such giveaways in connection to elections.
Musk’s close relationship with Trump and his alleged contacts with Putin further complicate his political involvement. Trump’s public promises to appoint Musk to a “government efficiency commission” amplify concerns about Musk's potential influence in a future Trump administration, suggesting a scenario where a private-sector billionaire could wield unprecedented influence in shaping U.S. policy.
Given Musk’s extensive reach—through his business empire, his platform X, and his sway over public discourse—his alignment with Trump and any unconfirmed connection with Putin could have significant implications for both U.S. domestic and foreign policy.