Did Elon Musk win the election for Trump?
Donald Trump [Archival audio]: Honestly, I believe this is the greatest political movement of all time. Nothing like this has ever happened in this country and maybe more.
Leah Feiger: The victory was decisive, almost shocking. Many of us are still figuring out the big reason that pushed the country rightward. However, we at WIRED have a theory and we’ve been reporting on him for a while: Elon Musk.
Donald Trump [Archival audio]: Who did you say?
[Archival audio]: Elon.
Donald Trump [Archival audio]: Oh, let me tell you. We have a new star. A star was born, Elon.
Leah Feiger: This is WIRE Political laboratorya show about how technology is changing politics. I’m Leah Feiger, senior politics editor at WIRED. As we discussed on the show a few weeks ago, Elon jumped into the political conversation this cycle in a big way, endorsing Trump, joining him at rallies, and spending a lot of money. for him, over a hundred million dollars. Did his influence make a difference for Trump and what will happen now? Joining me today to talk about all this and more is WIRED’s director of science, politics and security, Tim Marchman. Hey, Tim.
Tim Marchman: Hey, nice to be here.
Leah Feiger: Glad you’re here too. Also participating was WIRED senior reporter Vittoria Elliott. Hey, Tori.
Vittoria Elliott: Hey, Leah.
Leah Feiger: Check-in quickly, everyone. How are you both doing?
Vittoria Elliott: I don’t know what day it is today.
Tim Marchman: I really just need to go to the park and read a Victorian novel, or play shuffleboard or something.
Vittoria Elliott: That sounds great. Honestly, I wish someone would prescribe me some beach time, like they used to.
Leah Feiger: Instead of spending time by the beach and instead of reading a Victorian novel in the park, we should just talk about Elon Musk. Right? That also sounds extremely interesting to me.
Tim Marchman: I think we’ll be talking about Elon Musk for the next four years. I, for one, cannot wait.
Leah Feiger: Let’s get into it. So the big question for me and probably for all of us is can Elon Musk do this? Is he responsible, or at least quite responsible, very responsible, largely responsible for this Trump victory? What do you think?
