By He’s back and he’s ready to take on the midterms. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has resumed providing substantial financial backing to Republican campaigns for the House and Senate ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, signaling a thaw in relations with President Donald Trump after a highly publicized rift earlier this year.
The renewed support marks a notable shift for Musk, who during his dispute with Trump had floated the idea of forming a new political party and backing primary challengers to incumbent Republicans, Axios writes. According to sources familiar with the matter, Musk has recently made significant contributions to assist GOP candidates in next year’s races and has indicated that additional funding is planned as the cycle progresses. The precise amounts are expected to become public when federal campaign finance filings are released next month.
The financial backing could prove critical for Republicans seeking to retain control of Congress—particularly the House—amid Democratic efforts to reclaim majorities. Musk, the world’s wealthiest individual, was the single largest political donor in the 2024 election cycle, contributing $291.5 million, much of it directed toward supporting Trump’s successful presidential bid.
Musk’s renewed engagement followed a November dinner attended by Vice President JD Vance, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Taylor Budowich, a former White House aide who remains connected to the administration. The gathering, held at the vice president’s residence at the Naval Observatory, was arranged by Vance, who has cultivated a close relationship with Musk. Jared Birchall, a longtime Musk associate who oversees much of his political giving, was also present.
After Trump’s 2024 victory, Musk joined the administration to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, an initiative aimed at reducing federal spending and taking on congressional corruption. The two initially developed a close rapport, with Musk occasionally staying overnight at the White House. That relationship deteriorated after Musk departed the role in May, particularly following Trump’s decision to withdraw the nomination of Jared Isaacman, a Musk associate, for NASA administrator.
Musk publicly denounced Trump’s major spending legislation as a “disgusting abomination,” cited Trump’s connections to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and pledged to form what he called the American Party to support preferred congressional candidates. Trump responded by calling Musk “crazy” and expressing his “disappointment.”
I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand it anymore.
This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination.
Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 3, 2025
In the months that followed, Musk said he felt “regret” over some of his comments about Trump. The two were later seen interacting at a September memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, signaling a tentative reconciliation.
Allies of both men now say they are confident Musk has abandoned any plans to challenge sitting Republicans. Instead, he is expected to operate as a traditional major GOP donor, funneling large sums to party committees and allied super PACs. Spokespersons for Trump, Musk, and the primary Republican super PACs for the House and Senate declined to comment.
Sources close to Trump told Axios the president has largely moved past the dispute. While the relationship has not returned to its earlier closeness, insiders note that Trump and Musk remain in occasional contact, including Musk’s attendance at a recent White House event hosted by Trump for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
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