Elon Musk said he is considering voting for former President Donald Trump as he's "leaning away" from President Joe Biden in the 2024 presidential election, NBC News reported. The Tesla mogul said this to former CNN host Don Lemon in an interview released Monday.
Musk sparked rumors after meeting with Trump earlier this month. There was talk of Musk endorsing him for president or possibly paying Trump's legal bills, which would cripple Biden's campaign as his only hope for reelection is knocking Trump out of the race.
However, Musk said that he's not so much in favor of Trump but rather that he has become disillusioned with Biden's presidency. "I may— in the final stretch— endorse a candidate. But I don’t know yet… I’m leaning away from Biden. I’ve made no secret of that," Musk said.
ELON MUSK: “I may— in the final stretch— endorse a candidate. But I don’t know yet… I’m leaning away from Biden. I’ve made no secret of that.” pic.twitter.com/CHQ1G5hwEr
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) March 18, 2024
During the interview, Lemon prodded Musk about this meeting that happened in Palm Beach. The former CNN host, who was trying to carve out a new spot with his internet show, made it seem as if this meeting was more consequential than it was.
When asked, Musk downplayed the entire situation. According to the CEO and owner of X, formerly Twitter, he was visiting a friend and didn't know Trump would show up.
"I was at a breakfast at a friend’s place and Donald Trump came by, that’s it," Musk told Lemon. The CEO and owner of X, formerly Twitter, emphasized that it was an inconsequential chance meeting.
As to whether he will endorse Trump for president, Musk explained that he's still undecided. "I mean, a lot can happen between now and the election," Musk explained.
"At that point, I may or may not endorse one of the candidates. If I do, I will provide a very detailed explanation of why I am endorsing one or the other," Musk added.
Lemon continued to press Musk on this meeting with Trump and even asked if he'd pay the former president's legal bills, The Hill reported. "I’m not paying his legal bills in any way, shape or form," Musk replied.
"And he did not ask me for money," he added. The contentious interview continued, and some believe it may have sunken Lemon's new endeavor before it even started.
Following the interview, Lemon claimed that Musk canceled "The Don Lemon Show," which was previously set to stream through X. However, Musk and several news outlets deny there was ever a formal agreement.
In turn, Musk criticized Lemon as an interviewer who "lacked authenticity" but was not barred from promoting his show on X. "Lemon/Zucker is, of course, welcome to build their viewership on this platform along with everyone else," Musk said, making a dig that Lemon was being used as a puppet by CNN boss Jeff Zucker.
Whether he will admit it publicly or not yet, it's likely that Musk will continue to support Trump over Biden. Lemon was attempting to craft a narrative that Musk is a MAGA Republican extremist but instead ended up looking foolish and desperate to make a name for himself at Musk's expense.
