Open the White House Watch newsletter for free
Your guide to what the 2024 US elections mean for Washington and the world
Elon Musk particularly downplayed the chances of donating to Nigel Farage's UK Reform Party, telling one of his colleagues that it would not be easy to donate money to the British party after it joins the US government.
The aide said Musk told them earlier this month that Donald Trump's inauguration would complicate his ability to donate to repair Because of the tech billionaire's role in running the waste reduction unit in the new administration.
Nevertheless Musk He met Farage in December at Mar-a-Lago, and they did not see each other again when the reform leader traveled to Washington, D.C., for Trump's inauguration, two people familiar with the matter said.
Musk has intervened heavily in UK politics in recent months, declaring reform the country's “only hope” and frequently criticizing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Last month, Farage said that the owner of Company X and the head of Tesla were seriously considering donating to the repair foundation. The UK's lax rules on political donations allow foreign-owned entities – such as Musk's UK subsidiary X – to give unlimited sums to British parties.
But they have since clashed over Musk's support for far-right provocateur and convicted criminal Tommy Robinson, who is jailed for contempt of court in connection with Robinson's defamation of a Syrian refugee.
Earlier this month, Musk called for Farage to be replaced as reform leader, posting on X that the veteran politician “doesn't have what it takes” and suggesting alternatives, including Robert Lowe, another reform MP.
Farage has strengthened his ties with Trump, and has appeared at his campaign rallies in the past. Although he was not invited to the Capitol Rotunda for Monday's ceremony, he attended several parties around the event, including the official after-inauguration party.
Musk did not attend an inauguration hosted by pro-Brexit businessmen Aaron Banks and Andy Wigmore – allies of Farage – in Washington on Friday, sending a close aide instead.
Trump has tapped Musk to lead the cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which will be housed within an existing federal agency.
There is no US law preventing Musk from contributing financially to the repair, and he can still decide to donate. However, a financial gift from a senior figure within the Trump administration to a British opposition party would lead to diplomatic tensions between the United States and the United Kingdom, two close allies.
Speculation that Musk might donate up to $100 million after a media report in November has given the UK right-wing party momentum as it rises in opinion polls and attracts some low-level defectors from the Conservatives, the UK's largest right-wing party and the official opposition. .
A Reform spokesperson confirmed that Musk had not made a donation yet, and said: “We have a good relationship with Elon Musk and will continue to do so.” Musk did not respond to a request for comment.
