Elon Musk has seen his wealth surge by US$170 billion since endorsing Donald Trump in mid-July. Musk, now worth an estimated $419 billion, according to Forbes, was the largest individual donor of the 2024 election cycle, contributing $290 million to support Trump’s return to power.
Since then, Musk has reaped extraordinary returns. Federal investigations into his companies have slowed or been quietly closed, while Trump-aligned efforts to slash agency oversight have eased regulatory pressure. SpaceX is on track to secure billions in new government contracts, and Musk’s global business ventures have gained momentum—often with behind-the-scenes backing from the Trump administration.
This have only added fuel to the growing debate surrounding Musk’s influence. One of the richest and most high-profile entrepreneurs of the modern age, Elon Musk has become an increasingly controversial figure. Since his 2022 takeover of X, the billionaire has faced intense public scrutiny. Millions of users got a front-row seat to his every move, from laying off thousands of employees to unsuspending accounts that spread misinformation and hate speech. His current involvement with the US government garnered immense criticism, especially after cost-cutting drives across various departments.
Click through the following gallery to learn more about Musk's journey from business to politics, and discover why it’s been causing such a stir lately.