Full Breakdown
Elon Musk Gives $5 Million to Super PAC Backing Vivek Ramaswamy’s Ohio Gubernatorial Campaign
7/16/2026, 9:37:12 PM
Major Funding Move
In May 2026, Elon Musk contributed $5 million to V-PAC, a super PAC supporting Vivek Ramaswamy’s bid for Ohio governor, according to a campaign-finance filing released in July 2026. The donation follows Musk’s earlier pledge to scale back political spending, a promise that was quickly reversed. Ramaswamy, a former presidential candidate who withdrew from the 2024 Republican primary and later endorsed Donald Trump, secured the Republican nomination for Ohio’s gubernatorial race in May 2026 and now faces Democratic nominee Amy Acton, a former state health official, in a race described as closely contested.
Political Links and Prior Collaboration
Musk and Ramaswamy previously partnered on the cryptocurrency Dogecoin (DOGE) and were appointed co-leaders of the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency during the Trump administration. After Trump’s inauguration, Ramaswamy announced his departure from DOGE, citing “different and complementary approaches” to the venture. Both Musk and Trump later endorsed Ramaswamy on social-media platforms when he entered the Ohio governor’s race.
Official Statements & Responses
Ramaswamy told Fox News that it was “incorrect” to claim he and Musk were at odds, emphasizing that their strategies simply differed. Musk has not issued a direct comment on the May donation, but his recent pattern of sizable contributions to Republican causes—including the V-PAC gift—signals continued political involvement.
Criticism & Opposition
The Business Insider report does not cite any organized criticism or opposition to the donation, nor does it reference statements from Democratic opponents or watchdog groups.
Verbatim Quotes
- “incorrect” to say he and Musk didn’t get along.” — Vivek Ramaswamy, Fox News interview
- “different and complementary approaches.” — Vivek Ramaswamy, Fox News interview
