"Such ingratitude": Musk was the top Republican donor in 2024

Data: OpenSecrets; Chart: Axios VisualsElon Musk's bitter public breakup with President Trump has included an undeniable fact: the world's richest man contributed more than any other billionaire donor to support Republicans in 2024 — by a lot. Why it matters: Musk has said he'd pull back on political spending, after his six months in Washington left him with empty DOGE promises and his companies in turmoil. But where he puts his cash has massive potential influence — including toward any future political pursuits.In one of his first and most damning swipes at Trump, Musk claimed credit for the president's 2024 victory: "Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate." He blasted the "ingratitude."While a newer Republican megadonor, Musk joined an existing class funneling millions to Trump in 2024. Other top donors included businessman Timothy Mellon and Miriam Adelson, widow of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson who, with her late husband, was Trump's biggest backer in 2020. By the numbers: Of the roughly $295 million Musk contributed to Republicans in the 2024 election, the vast majority went to Trump.Zoom out: The Musk-Trump feud bursted publicly mostly on social media Thursday, beginning with Trump speaking in the Oval Office and Musk rapidly posting on X. While the president had offered his former special government employee a warm sendoff Friday, the Tesla CEO this week ratcheted up his attacks on Trump's signature bill. Musk has criticized the bill for its cost: estimates say it could add trillions to the federal deficit.On Wednesday, Musk urged his followers on X to call their representatives to "KILL the BILL."Go deeper: How Trump and Musk went from bromance to bitter dispute

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