Somebody's Gotta Win with Tara Palmeri How Musk Became Addicted to Trump With Teddy Schleifer
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Mar 27, 2025 
Teddy Schleifer, a journalist from The New York Times, dives into Elon Musk's surprising political evolution. He discusses Musk's transition from a humanitarian tech leader to a key player in the Trump administration, revealing the tension within Silicon Valley's political landscape. Highlights include Musk's initial reluctance to endorse Trump, the unexpected partnership that developed during the 2016 election, and how Musk's influence is reshaping federal policy. The conversation also touches on shifting loyalties among tech titans and the cultural dynamics shaping political narratives.
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Musk's Shift to Trump
- Elon Musk's support for Trump evolved over time, initially favoring DeSantis.
- It wasn't until the assassination attempt in Butler that Musk publicly endorsed Trump.
Tech's Conservative Shift
- Silicon Valley's shift towards conservatism started during COVID, fueled by distrust of institutions and media.
- Biden's election and Trump's exit from office made it easier for tech leaders to express conservative views without explicitly supporting Trump.
DeSantis's Appeal
- Initially, tech leaders, including Musk, were drawn to DeSantis as a Trump alternative.
- Musk even hosted DeSantis's campaign launch on X (formerly Twitter).