Elon Musk Adds $170 Billion to Net Worth Since Endorsing Trump

Elon Musk’s wealth has surged by $170 billion since he began vocally supporting former President Donald Trump, according to a new report by Forbes. The staggering gain places Musk at the top of the global rich list once again, raising fresh questions about the intersection of politics, business, and influence.

The Wealth Surge

The report highlights that Musk’s fortune ballooned from approximately $145 billion at the start of 2023 to over $315 billion by May 2025. Much of this gain has been attributed to the surging stock price of Tesla, where Musk still holds a massive equity stake, and successful expansions across his companies including SpaceX, X (formerly Twitter), and Neuralink.

Political Alignment and Public Statements

Musk’s alignment with Trump became more pronounced over the past two years. He has publicly criticized the Biden administration on multiple fronts, including its stance on electric vehicle mandates, border security, and what he has labeled as “woke ideology” in U.S. institutions.

• On X, the platform Musk owns, he has amplified pro-Trump voices, reinstated previously banned accounts, and frequently retweets content critical of Democrats. In one notable instance, Musk called Trump “the candidate who will restore sanity” and hinted at potentially voting Republican for the first time.

Market Response and Corporate Strategy

Despite his polarizing political stances, the market has largely responded favorably. Tesla stock has soared more than 180% since January 2023, driven by strong earnings, AI innovations, and expanding operations in Asia and the Middle East. SpaceX also hit new valuation records, nearing a $200 billion private market cap, thanks to Starlink expansion and government contracts.

Critics Raise Concerns

However, critics caution that Musk’s influence, combined with his political activity, presents ethical and governance challenges. “When a CEO of a trillion-dollar ecosystem throws full weight behind a political candidate, it blurs the line between capitalism and political endorsement,” said Stanford governance expert Alicia Bradshaw.

The Trump Effect?

Forbes does not suggest a direct causal link between Musk’s political endorsements and his soaring wealth, but the timing is difficult to ignore. The billionaire’s support for Trump has coincided with stock gains, a friendlier regulatory tone under Republican-led states, and increased interest from conservative consumer bases.

Future Implications

As the 2024 election cycle intensifies, Musk’s role as a political influencer is likely to grow. Whether this will continue to benefit his bottom line—or pose risks to his companies’ public perception—remains to be seen.

For now, Elon Musk stands as a testament to how billionaire entrepreneurs can shape and benefit from the political tides in America.