Sydney: Elon Musk’s backing of Donald Trump’s decisive presidential victory signals a new era of influence for the billionaire entrepreneur, potentially benefiting Musk’s companies across tech and aerospace industries. Musk, who donated over $119 million to Trump’s campaign, has become one of the president-elect’s prominent supporters, sharing the stage with him at rallies and hosting gatherings at Mar-a-Lago on election night.
Musk’s companies—Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink—stand to gain significantly from a Trump administration’s regulatory adjustments, particularly given Musk’s calls for streamlined policies. A key goal appears to be reducing the oversight on electric vehicles, rockets, and AI technology. Sources close to Musk’s businesses reveal that the billionaire aims to create a more lenient regulatory landscape, empowering faster innovation while lessening compliance barriers.
For Tesla, changes in electric vehicle regulations could mean reduced federal safety scrutiny on Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features. Additionally, a Musk-backed Trump administration might ease restrictions on autonomous vehicles, aligning with Tesla’s upcoming Cybercab—an ambitious project for a fully autonomous vehicle.
SpaceX, meanwhile, may see benefits in continued government contracts and reduced oversight from agencies like NASA and OSHA. A high-ranking federal official commented, “NASA needs SpaceX more than SpaceX needs NASA,” reflecting the strong interdependence. Trump’s administration could pursue more favorable policies for the private space sector, including fewer restrictions on worker safety and spaceflight, which may speed SpaceX’s mission to Mars.
Musk’s Neuralink venture could also see expedited FDA approvals, allowing the company to accelerate testing of brain-implant devices. Insiders suggest Musk’s influence with Trump could help remove some of the red tape that Neuralink faces, a prospect welcomed by supporters but criticized by some industry experts concerned about safety.
A renewed Trump presidency could see Musk’s influence likened to that of industry titans during the Gilded Age, whose power shaped American business landscapes. The potential for lenient regulations has sparked discussions around both innovation and the risks of a rapidly advancing high-tech industry with less oversight.
