Trump praises Musk as a “new star” after the tech titan helped him win the US election

Key to his return to the White House were the Tesla CEO and X owner's concerted efforts, which helped boost support particularly among young college-age men, voters who would normally vote Democratic. If their support helps the GOP retain a majority in the House of Representatives, Trump's party will control both the legislature and the presidency

In the early hours of Wednesday, Musk supporters chanted the tech tycoon's name during Trump's victory speech, prompting the president-elect to particularly praise him.

“Let me tell you, we have a new star,” said Trump, who is expected to win the popular vote for the first time in his three attempts. “A star is born – Elon. He’s a great guy.”

To celebrate their shared triumph, Musk posted on

Tesla shares are expected to rise when markets open as investors bet that the Trump administration will drop federal investigations and enforcement actions against the automaker, particularly related to its self-driving software. At press time, Tesla shares were trading 13% higher premarket, adding around $100 billion in market value.

Fundamental to Trump's election victory

It's hard to imagine how Republicans could have seized control of the Senate and the White House on Tuesday without Musk's help. Tesla's CEO risked his personal brand by supporting twice-impeached Trump, who watched as rioters stormed the Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election.

Not only did Musk use his social media platform to amplify the campaign's message and attack the opponent, he also orchestrated Trump's campaign to win votes. He even took a risk by potentially violating federal election laws with a $1 million-a-day voter sweepstakes.

Many first-time and repeat Republican voters thanked Musk

“Electrified” host Dillon Loomis, a Tesla shareholder and Trump voter, even went so far as to suggest that a Delaware Chancery judge appointed by a Biden ally may have been indirectly responsible for Trump’s victory.

“It's crazy to think that Judge Kathaleen McCormick (yes, that one), who forced Elon to complete the Twitter takeover, unknowingly played such a large role in the outcome of this election,” the Musk fan wrote, adding: “Don’t do that. Bet. Against. Elon.”

Many Republicans forget that Musk's original contractual agreement was to acquire Twitter for $44 billion in equity capital – funded primarily through large stock sales at the expense of Tesla shareholders.

Had the court not enforced the deal, the platform may never have entered the fold of the world's richest man, who introduced new company policies that benefit conservatives.

Musk’s political journey to “Dark MAGA”

Official biographer Walter Isaacson pointed out several pivotal moments that led Musk to become upset with Democrats.

These began with his political awakening during the first wave of COVID lockdowns. At that time, he refused to follow orders to close his factory in Fremont, Alameda County, California.

Fed up with his continued disregard for worker safety, union busting and intimidation of public officials, a Democrat in the state legislature then angrily snapped, “F*ck Elon Musk.” Tesla's CEO spotted her post and replied icily: “Message received.”

Musk later felt betrayed by the Biden administration, which blocked him from an EV summit and repeatedly refused to recognize Tesla's role as a leader in electric vehicles.

Lawmakers like Senator Elizabeth Warren also branded him a “free rider” and took action against his companies, which Musk viewed as politically motivated.

Although Musk initially said in March that he would not donate to either campaign, he reversed his decision following the July “Dark MAGA” assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

“He’s a super genius,” Trump praised in his victory speech on Wednesday morning. “We must protect our geniuses. We don’t have that many of them.”

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