Donald Trump (archive audio): Frankly, I think this was the greatest political movement of all time. There has never been anything like it in this country, and perhaps beyond.
Lea Feiger: The victory was decisive, almost surprisingly. Many of us are still discovering the big factor that pushed the country to the right. However, here at WIRED we have a theory and we’ve been reporting on it for a while. Elon Musk.
Donald Trump (archive audio): Who did you say?
(Archive audio): Elon.
Donald Trump (archive audio): Oh, let me tell you. We have a new star. A star is born, Elon.
Lea Feiger: This is WIRED Politics Lab, a program about how technology is changing politics. I’m Leah Feiger, WIRED’s senior politics editor. As we discussed on the show a few weeks ago, Elon jumped into the political conversation this cycle in a big way, endorsing Trump, joining him at rallies, and putting a lot of money behind him, over a hundred million dollars. Did his influence make a difference for Trump and what happens now? Joining me today to talk about all this and more is WIRED’s Director of Science, Policy and Security, Tim Marchman. Hello, Tim.
Tim Marchman: Hey, I’m glad to be here.
Lea Feiger: I’m glad you’re here too. Also joining WIRED senior reporter Vittoria Elliott. Hello, Tori.
Vittoria Elliott: Hello, Lea.
Lea Feiger: Quick registration guys. How are you both?
Vittoria Elliott: I don’t know what day it is.
Tim Marchman: I really need to go to the park and read a Victorian novel, or play shuffleboard or something.
Vittoria Elliott: That sounds great. Honestly, I wish someone would prescribe me some time by the sea, like they used to.
Lea Feiger: Instead of spending time by the sea and reading a Victorian novel in the park, we should just talk about Elon Musk. Good? I find that incredibly fun too.
Tim Marchman: I think we’ll be talking about Elon Musk for the next four years. I, for one, can’t wait.
Lea Feiger: Let’s get into it. So the big question for me, and I think probably all of us, is did Elon Musk make this happen? Is he responsible, or at least quite responsible, very responsible, largely responsible for this Trump victory? What do you think?