Elon Musk’s influence on the election: Power, politics and social media

After a dramatic election, Donald Trump has won the 2024 U.S. presidential race, marking his return to the White House for a second term. While Trump’s victory was the focal point of the election, Elon Musk’s growing involvement in both the political and digital realms has kept him at the center of the conversation. As the owner of X (formerly Twitter) and now a key player in government efficiency, Musk’s influence is undeniable—and it will likely continue to shape American politics in the years ahead. 

Throughout the 2024 campaign, Musk’s ownership of X played a pivotal role in shaping political discourse. His decision to reduce content moderation on the platform, allowing more freedom of speech, sparked heated debates about the spread of misinformation, 

particularly around election security and voting rights. While Musk’s “free speech” stance was applauded by some, critics feared it allowed dangerous misinformation to flourish, making it harder for voters to separate fact from fiction. 

Jarvis Coleman, a senior public relations scholar, noted how Musk’s control over X raised important questions during the election. “For me, the most interesting part of Musk’s involvement in the 2024 election isn’t just his public endorsements or tweets. It’s his ownership over X,” Coleman said. “I am interested to see what information he allows to be posted on his platform.” 

Musk’s tweets on everything from technology policy to his criticisms of the Biden administration gave him a platform to influence the conversation. His words, reaching millions of users, played a role in shaping the narratives surrounding candidates, with some voters citing Musk’s commentary as part of their decision-making process. Musk’s influence on X was a major factor in how the election played out, especially among younger voters who turn to social media for political news. 

Musk fully endorsed Trump during the campaign, voiced public criticism of President Biden and expressed support for policies like free speech and economic innovation aligned with Trump’s messaging. While Musk’s influence was just one part of Trump’s victory, it was a significant one. His digital reach and commentary helped energize voters who felt alienated by the current administration, pushing them toward Trump’s populist message.

Musk’s role in shaping the election wasn’t limited to his words on X—his personal brand as a tech mogul and disruptor of industries like electric vehicles and space exploration helped frame the broader political debate. As Musk used his platform to critique Biden’s policies, it undoubtedly helped amplify Trump’s anti-establishment message, contributing to Trump’s success at the polls. 

Now that Trump is back in the White House, Musk is taking on a new role in his administration. Appointed to lead efforts to streamline government operations, Musk will bring his tech-driven approach to improve efficiency and reduce bureaucracy in federal agencies. Known for his innovative work at Tesla and SpaceX, Musk’s goal will be to apply technology to modernize public sector services and create a more responsive government. 

While some view Musk’s involvement in government as a much-needed infusion of innovation, others are skeptical. Critics worry that Musk’s private-sector mindset may clash with the needs of a government that requires transparency and accountability. Musk’s growing power in both the business and public sectors has raised concerns about the potential for conflicts of interest, as he continues to exert influence in both arenas. 

Alice Sloan, a graduating senior in public relations, expressed frustration with the growing role of billionaires like Musk in shaping American politics. “It just shows how crooked his administration is,” Sloan said. “But this is the America the people voted for. Whether you agree with it or not, this is the system that’s in place now.” 

As Trump takes office for his second term, Elon Musk’s influence is expected to continue shaping the political landscape. Whether through his control of X, his involvement in government efficiency, or his vocal support for certain policies, Musk’s power in both the tech and political worlds is only growing. 

The intersection of technology and politics, exemplified by Musk’s dual role as a business magnate and a government adviser, will be a key issue in the years ahead. Critics worry about the growing influence of tech billionaires on democracy, while others see Musk’s approach as a necessary disruption of an outdated political system. 

With President Trump back in power and Musk in a position to shape government operations, the future of American politics may look very different. As Musk continues to play a major role in both digital discourse and public service, his impact on the political system is one that will continue to spark debate and draw attention—especially as new challenges arise in the years to come.