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Elon Musk has downplayed the prospect of personally donating to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, telling an aide it won’t be easy to pay the British party after he joins the US government.
Aides said Musk told them earlier this month that Donald Trump’s inauguration would complicate his ability to donate renovation The tech billionaire’s role as he runs a waste-cutting unit in the new administration.
Although musk While Farage met in December at Mar-a-Lago, the pair did not meet again when the reform leader traveled to Washington, D.C., for Trump’s inauguration, two people familiar with the matter said.
Musk has intervened dramatically 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 X Malik and Tesla bosses were “seriously considering” funding the renovations. The UK’s relaxed rules on political donations allow foreign-owned companies – such as Musk’s X subsidiary in the UK – to give unlimited amounts to British parties.
But the pair have since clashed over Musk’s support for right-wing activist and convicted felon Tommy Robinson, who is in prison for contempt of court over Robinson’s defamation of a Syrian refugee.
Earlier this month Musk called for Farage to be replaced as reform leader, posting on X that the veteran politician “doesn’t have what it takes”, and suggested alternatives including Rupert Low, another reform MP.
Farage has developed a relationship with Trump by attending his rallies in the past. Although she was not invited to the Capitol Rotunda for Monday’s ceremony, she attended several parties surrounding the event, including the official inaugural ball.
Musk did not attend an opening party in Washington on Friday hosted by pro-Brexit businessman Aaron Banks and Andy Wigmore – an ally of Farage’s – instead sending a close aide.
Musk has been tasked by Trump with leading the “Department for Government Efficiency,” or DOGE, which will sit inside an existing federal agency.
There is no US law that prevents Musk from contributing financially to the reform, and he can still choose to donate. However, a financial gift by a senior Trump administration figure to the British opposition party would potentially raise diplomatic tensions between the US and the UK, who are close allies.
Speculation after a media report in November that Musk could donate up to $100 million has boosted the UK right-wing party as it surged in the polls and attracted some low-level defections from the UK’s largest right-wing party and the anti-government conservatives. .
A spokesman for Reform confirmed that Musk had not donated to date and said: “We have and will continue to have a good relationship with Elon Musk.” Musk did not respond to a request for comment.
