Musk returns to Trump’s side as midterm spending surges

Elon Musk has re-entered the political spotlight following a reconciliation with President Donald Trump, who recently awarded the billionaire the nation's top science medal. The renewed alliance comes after a significant falling-out that led to Musk's exit from the Department of Government Efficiency in May 2025.

Musk has committed at least $276 million to Republican political campaigns ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, with $158 million allocated to a major advertising push in Texas. This financial support aims to bolster the president's party, which is expected to face challenges in the polls, particularly in Musk's home state where the Republican candidate is currently trailing.

The billionaire's political influence extends beyond campaign donations, as his companies maintain heavy reliance on federal contracts. SpaceX, which recently completed its largest initial public offering in history, earns billions annually from NASA and the Pentagon, while Tesla's robotaxi expansion depends on regulatory approvals from federal agencies.

Read the full story at afp.com.