Despite Elon Musk’s public endorsement of former President Donald Trump for the 2024 US presidential election, employees at his companies—Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter)—are showing stronger financial support for Trump’s Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris.
Data from OpenSecrets, which tracks campaign donations, reveals that Tesla employees have contributed $42,824 to Harris’s campaign compared to $24,840 to Trump. SpaceX employees donated $34,526 to Harris, while Trump received just $7,652. At X, the disparity is even greater, with Harris receiving $13,213 and Trump less than $500.
Although these donation amounts are relatively small, they highlight a political divide between Musk’s personal endorsement and the preferences of his workforce. Musk, who supported President Joe Biden in 2020, has since shifted toward more conservative views and frequently criticized progressive policies, referring to them as a “woke-mind virus” on social media.
Musk’s political shift has become increasingly visible on X, where he has praised Trump and hinted at leading a government efficiency commission if Trump wins the election. Musk did not respond to requests for comment on the donation discrepancy between his employees and his own endorsements.
The donation data includes contributions from employees, owners, and immediate family members, as federal campaign finance laws prohibit direct donations from companies. The political leanings of Musk’s employees, many of whom are based in Democratic stronghold California, may explain the donation patterns.
Ross Gerber, CEO of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth and Investment Management and a Tesla shareholder, suggested that Musk’s plan to potentially relocate X and SpaceX headquarters to Texas could affect access to California’s tech talent pool.
As the 2024 election approaches, the contrast between Musk’s political endorsements and his employees’ donation patterns remains a notable aspect of the political landscape surrounding his companies.
