In an unorthodox fusion of politics and technology, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is poised to announce his run for president during a Twitter Spaces event alongside CEO Elon Musk.
According to people familiar with the matter cited by NBC News, tech entrepreneur David Sacks, who is a long-tome Musk’s confidant, and supporter of DeSantis will moderate the event. Alongside this announcement, DeSantis’ campaign will unveil a launch video, and DeSantis will embark on visiting early states post-Memorial Day.
The decision to announce the presidential bid together signals a close alignment between Musk, a billionaire and a force in the tech world, and DeSantis, a rising star in the Republican Party. DeSantis has frequently criticized corporate media, a stance that aligns with Musk’s viewpoint. Musk had previously expressed his support for DeSantis, should he run for president.
Musk’s influence has been increasingly prominent since he acquired Twitter, promising a return to “free speech” in response to right-wing complaints of censorship. He reinstated several far-right Twitter accounts previously suspended for spreading disinformation, contributing to Twitter’s reputation as a platform conducive to conservative discourse. The partnership with Musk could potentially serve as a potent asset for DeSantis, opening avenues to Musk’s extensive reach of 140 million Twitter followers.
However, the influence of Musk, though significant, is unpredictable. Despite his forthcoming participation in DeSantis’ launch, Musk recently tweeted praise for Republican Senator Tim Scott, a competitor of DeSantis for the GOP nomination. The precise level of his commitment to DeSantis’ campaign remains uncertain. Still, Musk was cited as saying he believes former president and current GOP contender Donald Trump isn’t going to be successful in winning the White House in 2024.
Information for this briefing was found via NBC News and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
