Elon Musk steps up political giving with six-figure donation to House Republicans
Controversial tech magnate Elon Musk stepped up his political giving in August, giving his largest-known political donation ever to boost House Republicans’ efforts to preserve their vulnerable majority.
The National Republican Congressional Committee reported receiving $289,100 from Musk in August, according to its report filed with the Federal Election Commission Friday. The money came through a joint fundraising committee linked to Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), the filing indicated, and most of it was earmarked for the NRCC’s convention and headquarters accounts, as is typical for donations of that amount.
Musk — the richest person in the world, with an estimated net worth of over $250 billion — has given to both Democrats and Republicans in the past, but not in such significant amounts.
Musk has amped up his political involvement in recent months. He has forged a relationship with former President Donald Trump, whom he is assisting by bankrolling America PAC, a pro-Trump outside group. The organization, which has undergone a leadership shuffle in recent months, is expected to play a major role in helping to turn out voters for the former president and recently began spending in competitive House races across the country as well.
It is likely that Musk has given more to America PAC than the NRCC. The super PAC, which can accept unlimited amounts from individual donors, is due to disclose its financial activity for the third quarter of this year on Oct. 15, which will give a clearer picture of how much Musk has given to the group.
And in another indication of his stepped-up political involvement, Musk has hired a political gatekeeper, longtime Republican operative Chris Young. Young’s hiring was first reported by The New York Times.
How much money Musk ends up investing in the election remains an open question. In July, the Wall Street Journal reported that he planned to donate around $45 million a month to help Trump. Musk, however, later denied the report.
Despite the influx of cash from Musk, the NRCC raised just $9.7 million in August, compared to $22.2 million raised by its Democratic counterpart.
Date: | |
Tag: | Elon Musk |
Topics
-
Financial Times - Business
Elon Musk’s Starlink faces legal vulnerabilities in Brazil after X ban
Billionaire’s satellite service is considered vital in remote areas but is coming under new scrutiny in Latin American country14 hours ago - Brazil -
Financial Times - Business
Labour’s Rayner and Reeves declared clothing donations as office support
UK deputy prime minister and chancellor drawn into widening gifts scandal7 hours ago -
NBC News - Top stories
Cards Against Humanity sues Elon Musk's SpaceX for allegedly trespassing on Texas land
The games company Cards Against Humanity says that Elon Musk's SpaceX has been storing construction materials on its land without permission.5 hours ago -
CNBC - Business
SEC says Elon Musk should be sanctioned if he keeps dodging Twitter depositions
The SEC asked a federal judge to sanction Elon Musk if he continues to delay a deposition regarding his 2022 Twitter buyout.1 hour ago - Elon Musk -
The New York Times - Sports
It’s Not Quite Time for Winless N.F.L. Teams to Give Up on the Playoffs
A handful of teams have had a rough start to the season. But history proves that the postseason is still a possibility.3 hours ago - NFL -
MarketWatch - Business
Is it unethical to anonymously donate to a political party? ‘I fear that our democracy could be undermined.’
“I’m obsessed over how much money the respective political parties, the Democrats and the Republicans, are generating in donations.”6 hours ago -
NBC News - Top stories
Harris could win the presidency but lose the Senate, giving Republicans a veto over her agenda and judges
If Kamala Harris defeats Donald Trump and wins the presidency, she may still face a Republican Senate that could block her nominees and agenda.13 hours ago -
The Guardian - World
Kamala Harris at Wisconsin rally: ‘Women have died because of Trump’s abortion bans’ – live
Vice-president again highlighted case of Amber Thurman, who died in Georgia due to strict abortion ban. Kamala Harris will be in Georgia today and is expected to speak about Donald Trump’s role ...18 minutes ago - Abortion
More from Politico
-
Politico - Politics
Trump assassination attempt task force to hold first hearing
Yesterday - Donald Trump -
Politico - Politics
Lawmakers expect Johnson will greenlight clean spending bill into December
Yesterday -
Politico - Politics
Senate clears $3B veterans funding patch amid larger shortfall
Yesterday -
Politico - Politics
Johnson’s spending path ahead unclear after short-term bill failure
Yesterday -
Politico - Politics
Andy Harris wins House Freedom Caucus chairmanship
3 days ago