FLASHBACK: Obama walked alongside Musk in 2010
Before Elon Musk entered the political arena with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), he was once considered an ally of former President Barack Obama and other Democrats. On April 15, 2010, Musk was pictured with President Obama during a visit to Cape Canaveral, Florida, Kennedy Space Center, where they toured the SpaceX launch pad. Musk’s company, SpaceX, has since become a leader in space travel and was recently credited for bringing NASA astronauts back from the International Space Station.
During the visit, Obama expressed his belief that humans could be sent to orbit Mars by the mid-2030s, with a landing on Mars to follow. He emphasized the importance of breakthrough propulsion systems and advanced technologies for deep space exploration. Musk shared a clip from Obama in 2011 calling for a crackdown on excess government spending, highlighting their past collaboration and shared goals.
However, Musk’s political affiliations shifted in 2022 when he announced his departure from the Democratic Party and voiced his support for the Republican Party. This change in allegiance was further emphasized by his donations to Obama during the 2008 and 2012 campaigns. Musk’s shift in political views led to backlash from left-wing activists and Democratic lawmakers, who made derogatory comparisons between Musk and Adolf Hitler.
Musk faced verbal attacks and vandalism against Tesla vehicles and facilities, prompting him to threaten legal action. Despite these challenges, Musk continued to play a key role in supporting Republican candidates, such as Brad Schmiel in the Wisconsin Supreme Court special election. Musk’s association with President Donald Trump through DOGE led to both of them being targeted by Democrats on the campaign trail.
As Musk navigates his evolving political landscape, his ties to Obama and the Democratic Party in the past serve as a reminder of his journey from ally to adversary. The tensions between Musk and Democratic lawmakers underscore the complexities of his political involvement and the challenges he faces as a prominent figure in both the business and political worlds.
