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Elon Musk has privately reduced the chances of making a donation to Nigel Farage's Reform UK, telling a friend that it will not be easy to give money to the British party after joining the US government.
An aide said Musk told them earlier this month that Donald Trump's inauguration would complicate his ability to donate. Update because of the role of the tech billionaire who runs the new administration's waste reduction unit.
Although Musk met Farage in December at Mar-a-Lago, the pair did not meet again when the Reform leader went to Washington, DC, for Trump's inauguration, said two people familiar with the matter.
Musk has intervened heavily in UK politics in recent months, declaring Reform the country's “only hope” and frequently criticizing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Last month, Farage said the X owner and Tesla boss was giving “serious thought” to the Restructuring offer. The UK's lax rules on political donations allow foreign entities – such as Musk's X subsidiary in the UK – to give unlimited money to British parties.
But the pair have clashed over Musk's support for right-wing activist and criminal Tommy Robinson, who is in jail for contempt of court in connection with Robinson's Syrian refugee report.
Earlier this month Musk called for Farage to be replaced as the leader of Reform, sending to X that the veteran politician does not have “what it takes”, and suggesting other options, including Rupert Lowe, another Member of Parliament.
Farage has developed a relationship with Trump, appearing at his meetings in the past. Although he was not invited to the Capitol Rotunda for Monday's ceremony, he attended several parties surrounding the event, including the official ball after the inauguration.
Musk did not attend the inauguration party held by pro-Brexit businessmen Arron Banks and Andy Wigmore – allies of Farage – in Washington on Friday, sending a close friend instead.
Musk has been tasked by Trump to lead the cost reduction of the “Department of Government Operations”, or DOGE, which will remain within the existing federal agency.
There is no US law that prevents Musk from donating money to Renewal, and he may decide to make a donation. However, a financial gift from a senior figure in the Trump administration to Britain's opposition party is likely to generate tension between the US and the UK, which are close allies.
Speculation that Musk could make a donation of up to $100 million after a media report in November has given the UK rightwing party a boost as it climbs in the polls and draws grassroots defections from the Conservatives, the UK's largest right-wing party and opposition party. legal. .
A spokesperson for Update confirmed that Musk has not made a donation to date, and said: “We have a good relationship with Elon Musk and will continue to do so.” Musk did not respond to a request for comment.