The query of simply what Elon Musk thinks of Donald Trump shall be raised but once more after the Tesla and SpaceX CEO provided to purchase Twitter for $43 billion.

Musk, who lately grew to become Twitter's greatest shareholders however turned down a suggestion to hitch the social media firm's board, revealed the provide amounting to $54.20 per share in a regulatory submitting on Wednesday.

After the billionaire grew to become Twitter's largest shareholder with a 9.2 p.c stake within the firm, plenty of conservative figures urged Musk to reinstate Trump to the platform, from which the previous president was banned over fears he might incite extra violence within the wake of the January 6 assault on the Capitol.

For years, Musk, a registered unbiased voter who beforehand described his views as average, has claimed that he tries to not get too concerned in politics, regardless of spending thousands and thousands lobbying each fundamental political events.

Now Musk is making an attempt a brand new takeover of Twitter, the query of whether or not the world's richest man helps Trump might but be totally addressed. Beneath, Newsweek particulars what Musk has mentioned about Trump over time, in addition to different instances he has weighed in on the world of politics.

Is Elon Musk a Trump Supporter?

In November 2016, on the eve of the election wherein Trump beat Hilary Clinton, Musk declared that he would not consider that the Republican is the correct individual for the White Home.

"I really feel a bit stronger that he's most likely not the correct man," Musk informed CNBC. "He would not appear to have the form of character that displays effectively on america."

Nevertheless, only one month later Musk agreed to hitch Trump's "Strategic and Coverage" advisory workforce for his incoming administration, a bunch that additionally included Uber CEO Travis Kalanick and PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi.

In January 2017, Musk criticized Trump's journey ban on nations with predominantly Muslim populations, describing it as "not one of the best ways to handle the nation's challenges."

"Many individuals negatively affected by this coverage are sturdy supporters of the US. They've accomplished proper, not improper & do not need to be rejected," Musk wrote in a tweet.

The next month, additionally on Twitter, Musk dismissed criticism about his working with Trump, saying: "Folks ought to push to have as many moderates advising the President as potential. Blind hate isn't the correct reply."

In June 2017, Musk introduced that he can be leaving Trump's enterprise advisory council in protest of the president's pulling the U.S. out of the Paris local weather settlement. "Local weather change is actual. Leaving Paris is just not good for America or the world," Musk tweeted.

In Could 2020, Musk tweeted "thanks!" after Trump supported the CEO's controversial plans to reopen Tesla's automobile manufacturing facility in California in violation of the restrictions in place amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Musk had beforehand referred to as stay-at-home orders "fascist" throughout a Tesla earnings name. He has since moved Tesla's headquarters from California to Texas.

In September 2021, Texas Governor Greg Abbott mentioned Musk wished to get out of California as a result of it was too liberal, whereas claiming that the Tesla CEO "constantly tells me that he likes the social insurance policies within the state of Texas."

Abbott made the declare as Texas was introducing the controversial abortion invoice that bans the process in nearly all circumstances after round six weeks.

Whereas responding to the feedback, Musk tweeted to CNBC reporter Michael Sheetz: "Typically, I consider authorities ought to hardly ever impose its will upon the individuals, and, when doing so, ought to aspire to maximise their cumulative happiness."

"That mentioned, I would like to keep out of politics," he mentioned.

elon musk trump
Elon Musk has each proven help and criticized Donald Trump down the years. SAUL LOEB-AFP/Hannibal Hanschke-Pool

The one time Musk has given an outright backing of a presidential candidate was in August 2019, when he threw his help behind Democratic presidential candidateAndrew Yang.

Explaining in a tweet why he supported the Democrat, Musk mentioned common fundamental earnings, an concept Yang backed, was "clearly wanted."

In September 2020, when the 2 election candidates have been whittled right down to Trump and Biden, Musk mentioned he was ready to see how the upcoming presidential debates turned out earlier than deciding who to vote for.

"I feel that is most likely the factor that may resolve issues for America. I feel individuals simply wish to see if Biden's obtained it collectively," Musk informed the Sway podcast.