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Elon Musk says the Reform UK contribution may be difficult with Donald Trump in office


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Elon Musk has privately played down the chances of donating to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, telling a friend that it will not be easy to donate money to the British party after he joins the US government.

The friend said Musk told them earlier this month that Donald Trump’s inauguration would complicate his ability to donate. Change thanks to the billionth part of the technology to run the waste-dissolving unit in the new system.

However Musk met Farage in December at Mar-a-Lago, the couple did not meet again when the Reform leader visited Washington, DC, for Trump’s inauguration, two people familiar with the matter said.

Musk has been heavily involved in UK politics in recent months, declaring the Reform Party the country’s “only hope” and regularly criticizing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Last month, Farage said X’s owner and Tesla boss were giving “serious consideration” to the Reform contribution. The UK’s loose rules on political donations allow foreign organizations – such as Musk’s X supporter in the UK – to make unlimited contributions to British parties.

But the couple have been at odds over Musk’s support for right-wing extremists and convicted criminal Tommy Robinson, who is in prison for contempt of court because of Robinson’s conviction for Syrian refugee.

Earlier this month Musk called for Farage to be replaced as Reform leader, writing in X that the veteran politician does not have “what it takes”, and suggested alternatives, including Rupert Lowe, another Reform MP.

Farage has developed a close 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 events surrounding the event, including an official ball following the inauguration.

Musk did not attend the inauguration party held by Brexit-backed businessmen Arron Banks and Andy Wigmore – Farage’s allies – in Washington on Friday, sending a close friend.

Musk has been tasked by Trump to lead the cost-cutting “Department of Government Operations,” or DOGE, which will sit within the existing federal agency.

There is no US law that prevents Musk from contributing financially to Reform, and he may still decide to donate. However, a financial gift from a senior figure in the Trump administration to the British opposition party could cause tension between the US and the UK, which are close allies.

Speculation that Musk could donate up to $100mn after a press release in November gave the UK a boost to the party as it surged in the polls and attracted grassroots opposition from the Conservatives. , the UK’s largest party and official opposition. .

A spokesman for Reform confirmed that Musk has not made a donation so far, and said: “We have a good relationship with Elon Musk and we will continue to do so.” Musk did not respond to a request for comment.



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