Technology Mogul Elon Musk has issued a warning to members of the Republican Party, suggesting potential repercussions for those not aligned with President-elect Donald Trump.
Musk, together with entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, has emphasized support for Trump’s initiatives during a visit to Capitol Hill.
He addressed speculation about funding opponents to GOP House members who challenge Trump’s nominees by stating, “How else? There is no other way,” on his platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
Musk and Ramaswamy discussed with lawmakers their plans under Trump’s proposed Department of Government Efficiency.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Trump supporter from Georgia, explained that the duo spoke about maintaining a “naughty list” and “nice list” for Congress members and senators about their voting records and spending.
Musk’s influence in Trump’s second term seems significant, with many within Trump’s team viewing him as a key enforcer for the administration’s agenda.
According to one Trump adviser, who spoke anonymously, Musk’s role is still developing. However, his support for Trump’s Cabinet appointments and plans, coupled with the resources at his disposal, indicates a substantial involvement in political activities.
Musk, who had previously supported President Barack Obama, has moved toward conservative positions in recent years.
Lara Trump, Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law and departing co-chair of the Republican National Committee, acknowledged Musk’s impact on the election.
She praised his acquisition of Twitter, believing it was instrumental in ensuring Trump’s victory. However, she questioned whether Musk aims to pursue a formal political career, suggesting he views himself as an outsider.
Throughout the presidential campaign, Musk contributed approximately $200 million to America PAC.
This super PAC focused on engaging Trump voters across seven key states, leading to a clean sweep for Trump.
Furthermore, Musk donated $20 million to RBG PAC, an organization that aired ads suggesting Trump would not pass a national abortion ban. This donation was only disclosed after the election, raising questions about Musk’s strategic approach to political influence.
Musk remains committed to funding America PAC, and he has hinted at challenging less enthusiastic Trump supporters in Congress through his messages on X.
Another close ally of the Trump campaign, conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has been vocal online about targeting certain Republican senators.
Kirk, affiliated with Turning Point Action, identified senators such as Joni Ernst of Iowa, Jim Risch of Idaho, Mike Rounds of South Dakota, and Thom Tillis of North Carolina as potential targets. All four have their Senate seats up for election in 2026.
Currently, Musk is participating in high-level meetings with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida.
The upcoming administration will feature several Musk allies in key positions, including venture capitalist David Sacks as the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar” and Jared Isaacman, who has invested in Musk’s SpaceX, as the new head of NASA.