Elon Musk says he will back Trump rival Ron DeSantis in 2024 if he runs for president
GuardianMAR 10 2023
The Facts
Elon Musk, billionaire owner of Twitter, and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, tweeted on Friday that he would support Republican Ron DeSantis if the Florida governor were to run for president in 2024.
He wrote, "My preference for the 2024 presidency is someone sensible and centrist. I had hoped that would the case for the Biden administration, but have been disappointed so far.” When asked if he’d support DeSantis, Musk wrote “Yes.”
DeSantis, who hasn't announced his intention to run for president, could get a boost from the Musk endorsement in a potential showdown with former Pres. Donald Trump, who launched his campaign earlier this month. DeSantis is coming off a landslide re-election in this month’s midterms.
The Spin
Republican narrative
Musk’s Twitter takeover has been a boon for Republicans, who were too often silenced under previous management. It’s great to see him involving himself in the party’s politics with his endorsement of DeSantis, even after showing his support for Trump by ending the former president’s egregious ban. Democrats will soon regret their efforts to drive Musk away.
Democratic narrative
Musk, who seems to have completed his rightward political turn, isn’t being shy about his preferences. But this revelation isn’t about Democrats, it’s about Trump. Musk knows Trump’s to blame for the wave of Republican losses in the midterms and the Twitter owner wants to send a message to the party to split from the losing formula and former president.