Musk Attacks Ambani And BJP While Pouring Millions Into Republican Campaigns
India-West News Desk
WASHINGTON, DC – Elon Musk has accused Mukesh Ambani and his supporters of resisting competition in India and shared reports about Reliance linked companies’ political donations to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). But the billionaire’s attacks on concentrated economic and political power have drawn attention to his own substantial spending to help Republicans retain control of Congress.
Musk has spent approximately $366 million on the 2026 U.S. election cycle, including more than $276 million since July to support Republican candidates and groups, according to campaign finance figures reported by The New York Times October 12. The spending makes him the largest known donor in this year’s midterm elections.
The contrast has prompted criticism from Senator Bernie Sanders, who has condemned Musk’s political spending as an example of the growing influence of billionaires over American democracy.
“Elon Musk spent $290 million to elect Trump. It paid off,” Sanders wrote on X. “Since his election, Musk got $696 billion richer & became the world’s 1st trillionaire. But that’s not enough. Now, Musk is spending $366 million to keep Republicans in control of Congress. STOP MUSK. STOP OLIGARCHY.”
Musk’s latest political spending comes as Republicans face voter concerns over the cost of living and President Donald Trump’s approval ratings. His contributions are intended to help the party retain its congressional majorities.
The New York Times reported that Musk had directed $158 million since July to the Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC supporting Republican Senate candidates. Another $76 million went to America PAC, the political action committee Musk founded, which is organizing voter outreach in competitive races.
Musk’s attacks on Ambani have centered on the proposed entry of his satellite internet company, Starlink, into India. He has argued that consumers would benefit from greater competition and accused supporters of Reliance Industries chairman Ambani of using contradictory arguments to oppose Starlink’s entry.
Musk had earlier addressed Ambani as “Prime Minister Ambani” and accused him of being the “real boss of India,” suggesting that the industrialist wielded excessive influence over the country’s affairs.
On October 10, Musk also shared reports concerning political funding, including a 2022 Al Jazeera report alleging that a Reliance funded firm helped boost BJP campaigns on Facebook and a 2024 Indian Express report on political donations by Qwik Supply, a Reliance linked company. The Indian Express report said the company donated Rs. 385 crore to the BJP and Rs. 25 crore to the Shiv Sena through electoral bonds. The allegations were reported in the publications Musk shared.
Musk’s criticism raises questions about the distinction he draws between the political influence of wealthy business figures in India and his own financial role in U.S. politics.
