Image In Tatters, Musk Retreating From Political Spotlight
Photo:@elonmusk
India-West News Desk
WASHINGTON, DC — Elon Musk, once a dominant force in both Silicon Valley and Washington, is taking a noticeable step back from political spending and visibility — a move that underscores the growing global backlash against his outsized political footprint.
Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum on May 20, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO declared he would “do a lot less” political spending “in the future,” adding pointedly, “I think I’ve done enough.” The announcement comes amid widespread fallout from Musk’s aggressive involvement in politics, which has damaged not only his personal image but also the reputations and operations of his companies around the world.
Once hailed as a visionary entrepreneur, Musk’s pivot into politics — particularly his deep alliance with President Donald Trump — has triggered a sharp reversal in public and institutional sentiment. Over the course of the 2024 election cycle, Musk poured over $290 million of his own wealth into electing Trump and other Republican candidates, transforming from tech magnate to political kingmaker. His efforts culminated in his leadership of the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he spearheaded aggressive federal downsizing initiatives.
But the political gamble has come at a steep cost.
Brand Backlash
Tesla, once synonymous with innovation, has become a symbol of political division. Anti-Musk protests targeting the company have surged, with demonstrators vandalizing Tesla cars and showrooms across major U.S. cities. The company’s public approval ratings have slipped, and some institutional investors are rumored to be reassessing their stakes amid concerns about reputational damage.
Polling released last month showed that 58% of Americans disapprove of Musk’s role in DOGE — a department now synonymous with sweeping job cuts and reduced government services, Reuters said.. Even among Republican circles, the discontent is palpable. GOP lawmakers have faced constituent fury during town halls, prompting party leaders to suspend public forums in certain districts.
International Fallout
The damage has not been limited to the U.S. Musk’s political interference abroad has sparked diplomatic tensions and alienated key markets. His endorsement of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party late last year ignited outrage in Europe, where political leaders and consumers condemned the move as irresponsible and inflammatory. European regulators are reportedly reviewing contracts and subsidies awarded to Musk’s businesses, signaling a cooling of relations.
Meanwhile, his failure at home to sway the pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court election — despite significant financial backing — has been interpreted as a referendum on his waning political influence. The Democratic-backed candidate won handily, capitalizing on Musk’s unpopularity to galvanize voters.
He has been notably absent from recent Cabinet meetings and Oval Office appearances, once a regular fixture in the early days of Trump’s return to power.
Tensions also boiled over last month when Musk publicly lambasted White House trade adviser Peter Navarro, calling him a “moron” following the announcement of a sweeping tariff policy that cost Tesla billions in market value.
A Costly Retreat
Musk’s decision to scale back political donations could have broad implications for both parties. While Democrats may lose their favorite political foil, Republicans could suffer a significant fundraising blow. (with inputs from Reuters)
