Elon Musk says he'll do a 'lot less' political spending in the future

Elon Musk said his era of enormous political spending is over — at least for the time being.

The world's richest man said during a video interview at the Qatar Economic forum that he thinks he's "done enough" when it comes to political contributions.

"In terms of political spending, I'm going to do a lot less in the future," Musk said. He didn't directly answer when asked if he was making the change because of blowback.

"Well, if I see a reason to do political spending in the future, I will do it," Musk said in response. "I do not currently see a reason."

He's previously said that his super PAC planned to spend on the 2026 midterms.

Musk spent at least $277 million backing President Donald Trump and the GOP during the 2024 election, making him the single biggest donor of the cycle. He's become a prominent political figure as the face of the White House DOGE Office, though he's said stepping back from his government work to focus more on Tesla.

In the months since Trump took office, Musk has become something of a political liability. His popularity has sunk, according to recent polling. His super PAC spent at least $15.5 million on a Wisconsin Supreme Court race, only to have his preferred candidate lose.

Tesla has also faced significant political reactions, with a widespread Tesla Takedown movement leading to protests and vandalism across the country.

In Tuesday's interview, Musk said that he has taken all that's happened with Tesla recently — falling shares compared to last year, the public backlash — personally.

He did not answer, though, whether it made him regret his political involvement, instead bemoaning that "massive violence was committed against my companies, massive violence was threatened against me."

Representatives for Musk and the White House did not immediately respond to Business a request for comment from Business Insider.