Elon Musk officially declared his support for the Republican Party on Wednesday.
The world’s richest man made the announcement in a tweet that has now received more than 650,000 likes and drawn welcoming cheers from Republican officials and conservative personalities.
Musk, who was born in South Africa, became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2002. He explained his decision as arising from a discontent with Democrats, which he now considers “the party of division and hate.”
“In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party,” Musk, 50, wrote. “But they have become the party of division and hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.
In the past I voted Democrat, because they were (mostly) the kindness party.
But they have become the party of division & hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.
Now, watch their dirty tricks campaign against me unfold … 🍿
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 18, 2022
Speculations on the Tesla chief’s political leanings became more pronounced in recent weeks when he revealed his plan to buy Twitter and improve its policy on free speech. For years, conservatives have felt silenced on the platform, which was only exacerbated by the removal of Donald Trump’s account while he was still president.
Musk previously slammed the “far left” for hating “everyone, themselves included.” He has also taken a jab at the “lib hivemind,” criticized President Joe Biden and expressed support for Trump’s return to Twitter.
With his latest announcement, Musk invited the public to watch the Democrats’ “dirty tricks campaign against me unfold.”
“Judging by the relentless hatestream from the far left, this tweet was spot on,” the tech mogul wrote in a follow-up post.
Political attacks on me will escalate dramatically in coming months
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 18, 2022
Amid what appears to be a steady stream of criticism, Musk has found support from some Republicans.
“Welcome to the right side, Elon!” Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., tweeted.
Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., wrote, “Welcome, Elon. Glad to have you.”
Andrew Yang, who in 2021 also left the Democratic Party to form the Forward Party, reminded Musk of alternatives.
“There are more than two sides to everything Elon,” Yang noted.
In his latest thread, Musk voiced a more neutral take, pointing out that a party “more moderate on all issues” would be ideal.
“This is what most people in America want, but unfortunately it’s not realistic. Generally, the party with less power (currently Republicans at national level) moves more toward center to win moderate votes, so control of House/Senate/President goes back and forth over time.
“I suggest no parties and just direct voting by the people of concise laws that everyone can understand.”
Featured Image via TED
