Musk Reacts to Republican Losses in US Midterms: His “Space Lasers” Didn’t Work This Time
Billionaire Elon Musk, who spent about $445 million backing Republicans, joked on X after his party's midterm defeat. Media projections show Democrats taking control of both chambers of Congress.
Businessman Elon Musk responded with a joke on the social network X on 4 November to the Republican defeat in the US midterm elections, in which he had invested heavily. He is estimated to have donated $445 million (about €398 million) to support Republicans, making him the largest private donor in modern US political history. The results also affect President Donald Trump's ability to pursue his agenda during the rest of his term.
Musk wrote that his “space lasers,” supposedly meant to interfere in elections, apparently failed this time. He also commented on the Texas governor's race, where Democrat Jina Inohosa, known for her critical stance on building data centres, won an unexpected victory. Musk added that putting data centres in space now looks quite appealing.
According to Axios, it is not yet clear how the political shift in Texas will affect Musk's companies' plans in the state, or whether the setback will change his willingness to spend on the 2028 campaigns.
Election results
Media projections and results tallied so far indicate that Democrats have regained control of the House of Representatives and the Senate. In the Senate they took seats from Republicans in at least six states, including South Carolina, Kansas and Texas. In Kansas, Methodist minister Adam Hamilton defeated Senator Roger Marshall, becoming the first Democrat elected to the Senate from the state since 1932. In Texas, Democrat James Talarico won the Senate race, while in the governor's race Inohosa defeated Republican Greg Abbott. Before the vote, Republicans held a 53–47 Senate majority.
The source says the vote reflects voter anger over the cost of living, tariffs and Trump's war against Iran, which has driven fuel prices up. Democrats will now be able to block Trump's bills and investigate corruption allegations.
On election night Trump said he was ready to accept the results and work with Democrats, but later posted an image on social media of a cap reading “VETO.”
