New financial disclosures reveal that Elon Musk surpassed Timothy Mellon as the largest individual donor to federal political campaigns in the 2024 election cycle, providing over $250 million to the Republican Party and its leading candidates, including President-elect Donald Trump.
The disclosures note that Musk contributed around $238.5 million to America PAC, one of the major political action committees he set up to support Trump's 2024 presidential bid. The filings, submitted to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) on Dec. 5, cover financial activities from Oct. 17 to Nov. 25.
Musk’s contributions were directed primarily toward America PAC, which spent more than $249.9 million during the election cycle. The PAC’s stated goals include strong borders, safe cities, free speech, sensible spending, a fair justice system, and self-protection.
According to FEC filings, America PAC allocated its funds toward printing, postage, phone calls, text messages, digital media, canvassing and field operations, primarily to support Trump’s campaign and oppose Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee. Smaller expenditures were also made to assist Republican candidates in House and Senate races.
One of the PAC’s notable initiatives was a $1 million per day giveaway to registered voters in Pennsylvania who signed a petition supporting free speech and the right to bear arms. This promotion drew scrutiny from both the Department of Justice and Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, who attempted to block the payments, alleging the initiative constituted an illegal lottery. However, a judge from the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas rejected Krasner’s motion.
Musk’s contributions to America PAC placed him ahead of Mellon, an heir to the Mellon family fortune, who contributed approximately $197 million during the 2023 to 2024 election cycle, according to data from OpenSecrets, a watchdog organization tracking money in politics.
Mellon was a major donor to Make America Great Again Inc. (MAGA Inc.), a super PAC closely aligned with Trump’s campaign, as well as to American Values 2024, a group supporting Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s short-lived independent candidacy.
In addition to his contributions to America PAC, Musk donated to three other political groups in 2024: the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), the Calvert Victory Fund and the Early Vote Action PAC.
The NRCC focuses on electing Republicans to the House, while the Calvert Victory Fund supported the reelection of Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA). The Early Vote Action PAC, according to its FEC filing, paid for “field strategy consulting.”
Another contribution, totaling $20.5 million, was sent by a group registered to a PO Box in Austin, Texas, identified as the "Elon Musk Revocable Trust," to the RBG PAC on Oct. 24. The RBG PAC supported Trump’s stance against a national abortion ban, as evidenced by its website, which featured an image of the late liberal Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a critic of Trump. The site suggested that both Ginsburg and Trump opposed federal government intervention in abortion laws.
Musk's political contributions may have influenced his appointment to lead DOGE
Musk's political activities have extended beyond financial contributions. He has been actively involved in Trump's transition team, reportedly meeting with foreign leaders and advising on cabinet appointments. Musk, along with Trump ally Vivek Ramaswamy, is co-leading the Department of Government Efficiency, an advisory group aimed at reducing federal spending.
Musk's role in the Trump administration's transition has been accompanied by efforts to cut government spending. In meetings with Capitol Hill lawmakers, Musk expressed a goal of reducing the federal budget by $2 trillion from its current annual total of $6.75 trillion.
Sen. John Thune (R-SD), the incoming Senate Majority Leader, expressed support for Musk’s mission, stating that the effort to cut spending was "long overdue."
Musk's contributions to Trump’s campaign have drawn criticism from political watchdogs. Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen, described Musk’s $250 million in contributions as "obscene," arguing that they highlighted the need for campaign finance reform to reduce the influence of corporate and billionaire money in politics.
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