• Elon Musk's support for Donald Trump could potentially influence U.S. policies that benefit his companies.
• Musk's SpaceX, battery, and solar businesses heavily rely on tax credits and contracts supported by Democrats.
• Frequent contact with Putin and promotion of election disinformation could pose a risk to Musk's businesses under future Democratic administrations.
• Musk's political involvement could redefine public perception of him and his companies, with significant implications for the upcoming election.

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur known for his ventures in electric vehicles, batteries, solar panels, and space exploration, has found himself in a precarious position. Despite his businesses benefiting significantly from Biden administration policies and investments, Musk has made the upcoming election a must-win for himself and his global ambitions.

His support for Donald Trump has raised eyebrows, given that a Trump win could potentially give Musk immense power to influence U.S. policy, including those that could benefit his companies. However, a win for Kamala Harris could jeopardize Musk's lucrative government contracts, especially if he is seen as a threat to national security.

Musk's Political Involvement and Its Implications

This argument has gained traction following a Wall Street Journal report that Musk has been in contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Musk's SpaceX has a $1.8 billion contract with NASA, and his battery and solar businesses heavily rely on tax credits pushed by Biden and primarily supported by Democrats. 

Tesla's electric car business has been boosted by the $7,500 consumer tax credit that Republicans have targeted for elimination. On paper, it seems that Musk has more to lose from a Trump presidency than what he stands to gain.

However, Musk's support for Trump could potentially offset policy losses by serving as the power behind the throne. Musk has expressed his desire to use a hypothetical post at the head of a "Department of Government Efficiency" to push Trump on granting regulatory approval for self-driving vehicles.

Trump might also afford Musk a freer hand when it comes to developing artificial intelligence products, which Democrats have shown more of an eagerness to regulate.

The Impact of Musk's Actions on Public Perception

The revelation that Musk has been in frequent contact with Putin since 2022 complicates the picture. Musk's Starlink satellite internet plays a crucial role in the war in Ukraine, and Musk reportedly has high-level security clearance as a top national security contractor. While Musk's businesses already faced significant regulatory scrutiny, future Democratic administrations will have to consider whether relying on his companies' services presents an unacceptable risk.

His use of social media platform X to promote election disinformation makes it a target for regulation. Though his renewable energy businesses would likely continue to succeed, the broad expanse of his growing empire is at stake. He has created a must-win situation for himself, even as Democrats have been offering better terms all along.

Musk's political involvement has raised concerns about the potential conflict between his business interests and his political activities. His open support for Trump could jeopardize his businesses' relationship with a potentially less supportive administration, such as one led by Kamala Harris.

Additionally, his reported contacts with Putin raise questions about his judgment and potential national security implications, which could further complicate his companies' standing with the US government and public opinion.

The upcoming election will undoubtedly have significant implications for Musk, his businesses, and his global ambitions. As the world watches, the stakes are high, and the outcome could reshape the landscape of tech entrepreneurship and political influence.