In a surprising turn of events, tech billionaire Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, Tesla, and owner of X, has publicly endorsed former President Donald Trump. This endorsement comes after a two-hour-long conversation between the two on X, marking the end of their previous feud. Musk's endorsement is seen as a significant move to attract young male voters who are seeking a new ideological home.

With approximately 41 million Gen Z voters between the ages of 18 and 29, their support has become crucial in the upcoming election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Traditionally, the Democratic Party has relied on the support of younger individuals, but recent events such as the war in Gaza and a slow-growing economy have caused some of them to turn away.

Young men, in particular, who are grappling with job prospects and evolving notions of masculinity, are looking for a sense of meaning, support, and respect. Elon Musk's endorsement of Trump has brought him into the spotlight as a potential influencer for these voters. His journey from a moderate Democrat to a MAGA Republican resonates with certain segments of the population, especially those who view careers like entrepreneurship as highly admired.

A recent YouGov poll conducted by the Young Men's Research Initiative (YMRI) revealed that Musk and X hold high influence among young men, with 68% of respondents expressing their 'like' for Musk. The admiration stems from Musk's successful career as an entrepreneur, particularly among young Black men. However, the question remains: will Musk's popularity among young men have the power to sway the election?

Shauna Daly, a Democrat and co-founder of YMRI, warns that neglecting the potential impact of young male voters would be a mistake for the Democratic Party. She highlights that young men have historically had low turnout rates, but this year, they are frustrated and somewhat organized, thanks to right-leaning influencers and media urging them to support Trump. Daly emphasizes the significance of Musk's endorsement in reaching out to these voters.

Notably, YMRI found that 52% of respondents stated they used X in the last week, indicating the platform's influence. Moreover, 64% of young Black men reported using X during the same period, indicating a high engagement among this demographic.

Aside from Elon Musk, other right-leaning influencers such as Andrew Tate from the UK, who holds male-chauvinist views, as well as podcaster Joe Rogan and author Jordan Peterson, also hold significant influence among young men. On the other hand, Daly highlights the lack of comparable left-leaning figures who resonate with young American men, leaving a void that is easily filled by right-leaning media and influencers.

The YMRI/YouGov poll also shed light on young men's views on relationships and women. Surprisingly, 38% of respondents stated they had never been in a serious relationship, and about half agreed that serious relationships involve too many social norms and rules. These findings align with Trump's campaign, which focuses on a culture war against social norms, portraying them as a threat to the freedoms of young men.

As the election approaches, the Democratic Party recognizes the need to address the concerns and values of young men. Their attempt to redefine masculinity in a progressive context has led them to select candidates like Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a military veteran, football coach, and hunter, as a way to appeal to traditional notions of masculinity while supporting progressive policies.

In contrast, Republicans are campaigning on a belligerent and domineering version of masculinity, believing they own the concept. The battle between JD Vance and Tim Walz over their military service is seen as a playing card in their masculinity deck.

As Vice President Kamala Harris prepares for the Democratic National Convention, the conversation stimulated by Elon Musk's endorsement of Trump has raised the question: What does it truly mean to be a man in 2024? The race for young male voters has intensified, with both parties recognizing their significance in determining the outcome of the election.