**Musk's Business Under Trump Presidency**

CNAES

You need 2 min read

·

Post on Nov 06, 2024

42 visitor like this post

Share

Musk's Rollercoaster Ride: Navigating the Trump Era

The Trump presidency was a wild ride for pretty much everyone, but especially for Elon Musk, the tech titan known for his ambitious ventures. This period was marked by both triumphs and tribulations, as Musk’s companies, from Tesla to SpaceX, faced the political winds of a turbulent time.

A Friend in High Places?

Early on, Musk and Trump seemed to be on friendly terms. They even exchanged compliments. Trump, known for his “America First” agenda, praised Musk for bringing manufacturing jobs back to the US through Tesla's Gigafactory in Nevada. Musk, in turn, expressed support for Trump's tax cuts, which he saw as beneficial for his businesses.

The Electric Car Tax Credit: A Battleground

However, the relationship wasn't without its bumps. One major point of contention was the electric vehicle tax credit. Trump initially threatened to eliminate the credit, which was a major incentive for Tesla buyers. Musk publicly lobbied against the move, arguing that it would hurt Tesla's sales. Trump eventually backed down, but the episode showcased the potential for conflict between Musk's interests and the Trump administration's policies.

SpaceX: A Government Partner

SpaceX, on the other hand, thrived under the Trump presidency. The company, known for its reusable rockets, received hefty contracts from NASA to develop a new lunar lander. This was a huge boost for SpaceX, solidifying its position as a leading player in the space exploration race. Trump, a vocal supporter of space exploration, was seen as a champion of SpaceX's ambitions.

Facing Criticism: The Pandemic and Twitter

As the pandemic hit, Musk's handling of Tesla's factory closures in California drew criticism. He even threatened to move Tesla's headquarters out of the state. Trump, at the time, was pushing for businesses to reopen, so Musk's stance aligned with the president's.

Musk's foray into the social media realm with Twitter also led to controversy. He bought the platform in 2022, promising to make it a free speech haven. However, his handling of content moderation and his controversial tweets led to widespread criticism, including from some of his former supporters.

A Complex Legacy:

The Trump presidency undeniably left its mark on Elon Musk's business empire. While some initiatives thrived, others faced challenges. Musk's relationship with Trump was a complex one, marked by both collaboration and tension. Ultimately, the experience of this tumultuous period helped shape the trajectory of Musk's companies and his own public persona.