Vittoria Elliott, a senior reporter at Wired, and Timothy Marchman, the Director of Science, Politics, and Security, dive into the aftermath of Donald Trump's election victory. They discuss Elon Musk's profound influence on the campaign, from his social media strategies to his celebrity endorsements. The duo analyzes how Musk's platform, X, shapes public opinion and energizes specific voter demographics, particularly young males. They also explore troubling implications of tech moguls merging corporate power with politics and what that means for future governance.
Elon Musk's endorsements and financial backing significantly influenced young and tech-savvy voters, reshaping public perception of Trump’s campaign.
Musk's extensive social media reach facilitated the dissemination of political narratives, highlighting concerns about corporate power's impact on governance.
Deep dives
Elon Musk's Influence on Trump's Victory
Elon Musk's involvement in Donald Trump's campaign has raised questions about his influence on the election results. Musk's endorsements and public support are seen as pivotal in energizing specific demographics, particularly newfound supporters within tech circles and younger voters. His high profile and massive online following helped to legitimize Trump among those who may have been undecided. This shift in public perception is attributed to Musk's persona as a leading innovator and entrepreneur, making the Trump campaign seem more appealing to potential voters.
The Role of America PAC
Musk's financial contributions to America PAC, amounting to over $100 million, sparked debate about the effectiveness of such spending in swing states. Despite this significant investment, reports indicated mismanagement within the PAC, suggesting that much of the money did not achieve its intended impact. Workers involved in voter outreach described harsh conditions, leading to skepticism about the PAC's overall effectiveness. However, the very act of endorsing Trump and financially backing the campaign created a narrative of commitment that resonated with some sections of the electorate.
Power Dynamics and Media Influence
Musk's expansive reach on social media, particularly as the owner of X, has transformed the way political messaging is disseminated. His platform served as a megaphone for various political narratives, including conspiracy theories that helped shape the election discourse. The sheer volume of content he generated often overshadowed significant news events, such as allegations against Trump. This ability to command attention through social media illustrates Musk's dual role as both a political influencer and a media baron, affecting public sentiment in real-time.
Implications for Future Governance
Looking ahead, Musk's relationship with Trump raises concerns about the intertwining of corporate power and governance, suggesting a shift toward privatization in federal operations. If Musk continues to leverage his influence, areas of government that were once public may find themselves increasingly benefiting private interests, particularly those linked to Musk's enterprises. There is apprehension regarding the rollback of regulatory oversight, especially in technologies where Musk's companies operate. The long-term implications of such dynamics could reshape not only tech regulation but also the fundamental functions of government.
The election is over and Donald Trump has won a second term in the White House. The next several months—and maybe years—will be spent analyzing what actually tipped this election, but we at WIRED Politics Lab have a theory: Elon Musk. Throughout the election season, and especially in the homestretch, Musk has used his influence and platform to try to shape the results. Today, Leah sits down with Vittoria Elliott and Timothy Marchman to discuss if it worked. Leah Feiger is @LeahFeiger. Vittoria Elliott is @telliotter. Tim Marchman is @timmarchman. Write to us at politicslab@WIRED.com. Be sure to subscribe to the WIRED Politics Lab newsletter here.