Here is where Elon Musk is pouring money into midterms, with most giving routed through GOP groups

A major Republican donor

The newly disclosed contributions reinforce Musk’s role as a significant force in Republican politics. The records surface more than a year after his public break with President Donald Trump over Trump’s handling of the Epstein files.

Musk and Trump have since reconciled. Musk, who leads SpaceX and Tesla, said last year that he had probably spent enough on politics, while leaving open the possibility of further spending.

Money moves through a PAC

Musk made a $75 million contribution to the Senate Leadership Fund. The following day, that super PAC donated $75 million to a Texas PAC aligned with Paxton. The disclosures describe the two payments as separate transactions. The Texas group’s alignment with Paxton places the donation in the state’s political arena as Republicans prepare for midterm contests.

Republicans face political headwinds

Republicans are confronting challenges tied to the Iran war, rising inflation and very high gas prices. Polls indicate that many American voters are unhappy with Trump’s leadership and his handling of the economy.

Musk’s earlier political activity has also included a move involving his companies. In 2024, he announced that SpaceX’s headquarters would move from California to Texas, citing Gov. Gavin Newsom’s policies on gender identity.