<p>Elon Musk was the country’s biggest political donor in 2024. But he might be ready to give up the title.</p><p>Musk, the world’s richest person, said Tuesday he was planning to spend “a lot less” in future elections, the latest sign that he is fading into the background of American politics — at least for now.</p><p>“In terms of political spending, I’m going to do a lot less in the future,” Musk said as he appeared virtually for a combative interview with Bloomberg News at the Qatar Economic Forum. “I think I’ve done enough.”</p>.Bangladesh gets Elon Musk's Starlink ahead of India.<p>He did keep the door open, however. Asked if his decision stemmed from any blowback he had faced for helping to guide the Trump administration, he said: “If I see a reason to do political spending in the future, I will do it. But I don’t currently see a reason.”</p><p>Musk disclosed over $290 million in federal spending on the 2024 election cycle, most of which went toward backing Donald Trump through a super political action committee he started. He has told Trump’s advisers that he planned to donate about $100 million to pro-Trump groups before the 2026 midterm elections.</p>.Musk took leased cars back so Tesla could use them as "robotaxis." Instead, Tesla sold them .<p>In the months after Trump took office in January, Musk became a frequent presence in Washington as he steered an ambitious, controversial effort to sharply cut government spending. He has also remained a powerful player in Republican campaign finance. Along with an allied group, he spent roughly $25 million on a major Wisconsin Supreme Court race to back a conservative candidate who lost badly.</p><p>Lately, Musk has indicated a desire to turn back to his business empire. After a sharp drop in profit at his electric-car company, Tesla, he told Wall Street analysts last month that he planned to spend less time in Washington and more on his companies.</p><p>He did say Tuesday, however, that he planned to be in Washington on Wednesday and Thursday, including for a dinner with Trump.</p>
<p>Elon Musk was the country’s biggest political donor in 2024. But he might be ready to give up the title.</p><p>Musk, the world’s richest person, said Tuesday he was planning to spend “a lot less” in future elections, the latest sign that he is fading into the background of American politics — at least for now.</p><p>“In terms of political spending, I’m going to do a lot less in the future,” Musk said as he appeared virtually for a combative interview with Bloomberg News at the Qatar Economic Forum. “I think I’ve done enough.”</p>.Bangladesh gets Elon Musk's Starlink ahead of India.<p>He did keep the door open, however. Asked if his decision stemmed from any blowback he had faced for helping to guide the Trump administration, he said: “If I see a reason to do political spending in the future, I will do it. But I don’t currently see a reason.”</p><p>Musk disclosed over $290 million in federal spending on the 2024 election cycle, most of which went toward backing Donald Trump through a super political action committee he started. He has told Trump’s advisers that he planned to donate about $100 million to pro-Trump groups before the 2026 midterm elections.</p>.Musk took leased cars back so Tesla could use them as "robotaxis." Instead, Tesla sold them .<p>In the months after Trump took office in January, Musk became a frequent presence in Washington as he steered an ambitious, controversial effort to sharply cut government spending. He has also remained a powerful player in Republican campaign finance. Along with an allied group, he spent roughly $25 million on a major Wisconsin Supreme Court race to back a conservative candidate who lost badly.</p><p>Lately, Musk has indicated a desire to turn back to his business empire. After a sharp drop in profit at his electric-car company, Tesla, he told Wall Street analysts last month that he planned to spend less time in Washington and more on his companies.</p><p>He did say Tuesday, however, that he planned to be in Washington on Wednesday and Thursday, including for a dinner with Trump.</p>