Media: Musk returns to GOP fold, funding 2026 midterm campaigns

Elon Musk has resumed backing Republican congressional candidates, signalling a thaw in his previously strained relationship with US President Donald Trump. 

The tech billionaire, who threatened earlier this year to launch a third party and challenge Republican incumbents, is now firmly aligned with the GOP ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Sources familiar with the situation told Axios that Musk recently made significant donations to support Republican campaigns and plans to contribute further throughout the 2026 cycle. While the exact amounts will not be publicly disclosed until campaign finance reports are released next month, Musk’s support could provide a substantial boost for Republicans seeking to maintain control of Congress, particularly the House.

Musk, the world’s richest person, was the largest donor in the 2024 election, contributing $291.5 million, the majority of which went to Trump’s reelection campaign. His renewed support comes after a recent dinner at the Naval Observatory hosted by Vice President Mike Vance, which included White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Taylor Budowich, a former White House deputy chief of staff still close to the administration. Musk’s aide Jared Birchall, who plays a key role in managing his political contributions, was also in attendance.

The billionaire’s rapprochement with Trump follows a turbulent period. After the 2024 election, Musk joined the administration to oversee the federal cost-cutting initiative he called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), spending several nights at the White House.

However, the partnership quickly soured following Musk’s departure in May, triggered in part by Trump’s decision to withdraw the nomination of Musk ally Jared Isaacman to lead NASA. Musk publicly criticised Trump’s policies, including his “big, beautiful bill,” and even threatened to form the American Party to challenge Republican incumbents. Trump, in turn, labelled Musk “crazy” and expressed disappointment in him.

Over time, Musk moderated his stance, expressing regret over some of his earlier remarks, and the two met at the memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September. Now, Trump and Musk allies say the billionaire is unlikely to pursue independent challenges against Republicans. Instead, he appears to be positioning himself as a conventional party donor, channelling contributions to GOP campaign committees and super PACs.

Although the pair will never regain the closeness of their early 2024 alliance, sources say their relationship has improved. Musk even attended a White House dinner last month hosted by Trump for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reflecting a renewed, if cautious, camaraderie.

Representatives for both Musk and Trump, as well as spokespeople for pro-GOP House and Senate super PACs, declined to comment.

By Aghakazim Guliyev