Musk says he'll cut back on political spending after backing Trump in 2024

Tesla CEO focusing on business in reversal of course as top political donor

20250521 Musk with Trump file photo

Tesla CEO Elon Musk greets U.S. President Donald Trump in Philadelphia on March 22.  He spent at least $250 million supporting Trump in the presidential campaign. © Reuters

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Elon Musk, the richest person in the world and a key financial supporter of President Donald Trump, said Tuesday that he'll be spending "a lot less" on political campaigns, a reversal that could be a setback for Republicans ahead of next year's midterm elections.

Musk disclosed his decision via videoconference during a Bloomberg forum in Doha, Qatar. It speaks to his possible disenchantment with politics after his tumultuous tenure as Trump's pick to lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, which has fallen far short of its goals for reducing federal spending. Musk has scaled back his government role to spend more time at his businesses, including Tesla, which have seen intense blowback. Tesla reported a big drop in profits in the first quarter.

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