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In a surprising turn of events, tech magnate Elon Musk has thrown his considerable influence and resources behind Donald Trump’s campaign to regain the American presidency. Musk’s commitment extends beyond financial support, as he has invested millions into a pro-Trump political action committee (PAC) and has even been seen alongside Trump at various rallies. This marks a significant escalation in Musk’s political involvement, as he has not previously backed a candidate so decisively.

Musk’s companies, SpaceX and Tesla, are currently entangled in numerous legal battles concerning worker safety and environmental regulations. The environmental scrutiny particularly impacts SpaceX’s Starship rocket and Starlink satellite initiatives. Musk has also expressed frustration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), accusing it of being overly cautious and slow in approving SpaceX launches. His alignment with Trump appears to be influenced by the broader regulatory challenges his companies face.

In June 2024, the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Chevron doctrine has provided a boost to those on the political right who aim to dismantle the so-called "administrative state." The Chevron doctrine had previously required courts to defer to the interpretations of federal agencies regarding the laws they enforce. The recent ruling now mandates that courts rely more on their own interpretations, reducing the power of federal agencies—a development that aligns with Musk’s interests.

Musk’s political activities have not been limited to domestic issues. According to an October report by the Wall Street Journal, Musk has allegedly been in contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin since late 2022. Although both Musk and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov have downplayed the frequency and content of these conversations, some in the defense sector remain concerned. Given that SpaceX holds numerous US defense contracts and Musk has a security clearance, these alleged interactions have raised eyebrows.

Musk’s criticisms of the federal regulatory framework extend beyond business concerns. Through his social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, he has articulated a broader existential viewpoint. Musk believes that the current US bureaucracy is stifling progress to such an extent that it could jeopardize humanity’s future. He has linked this stagnation to his aspirations of making humanity a multi-planetary species, a goal he argues is crucial for surviving potential existential threats like asteroid collisions.

Many proponents on the American right share Musk’s vision of space expansionism. They see a second Trump administration as an opportunity to propel this vision, coining the phrase “make space great again” as a parallel to Trump’s well-known slogan. This group contends that advancing space exploration could be key to "saving humanity."

Musk’s support for Trump signals a significant political alignment with broader implications. A second Trump presidency could lead to substantial deregulation, especially following the recent Supreme Court ruling. Speculation even suggests that Trump might place Musk in a position of significant regulatory influence. While Musk's fears of a Democrat-led administration, particularly under Kamala Harris, might be exaggerated, his political gambit underscores his broader agenda.

Despite the "America First" rhetoric often associated with Trump, Musk’s global vision and objective of human survival through space exploration suggest a complex intertwining of national and planetary interests. The outcome of the election will undoubtedly have lasting effects on Musk’s ventures and his ambitious plans for humanity’s future.