In the New Yorker article, the author explores Elon Musk's strategic embrace of Donald Trump, particularly in light of Musk's substantial financial investments in Trump's campaign and the associated favorable shifts in Tesla's stock prices following Trump's electoral victory. Despite Musk's claims of political neutrality, his significant financial support for Trump indicates a calculated business strategy designed to align Musk's companies, such as Tesla and SpaceX, with potential future profits linked to a Trump administration. The article suggests that Musk's motivations may blend self-interest, increased political influence, and personal conviction, as he attempts to leverage Trump's policies to benefit his enterprises while simultaneously maintaining an image of moderation. Ultimately, Musk's close association with Trump has the potential to reshape his companies' regulatory landscapes and market positions substantially.

Key Points:

• Musk raised his arm in support during a Mar-a-Lago event, aligning himself politically with Trump.
• He invested heavily (~$130 million) in Trump's campaign and Republican races.
• Musk has publicly claimed he is not a political extremist and portrays himself as a benign force in politics.
• Following Trump's victory, Tesla's stock rose significantly, reflecting investors' optimism about policies favorable to Musk's companies.
• SpaceX has accumulated nearly $20 billion in federal contracts, with potential for more under a Trump administration.
• Musk's stance on federal oversight and subsidies might benefit Tesla by eliminating E.V. tax credits for competitors.
• Trump's tariffs on imports from China could protect Tesla from competition, despite potential rising costs for components.
• Musk is attempting to influence Trump’s policy decisions, including advocacy for Treasury Secretary nominations.
• The rise of Dogecoin has coincided with Trump's election victory, highlighting Musk's impactful financial role in meme-based cryptocurrencies.
  Link to Article