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Elon Musk Considers Backing Nigel Farage's UK Reform Party, $127M Donation [1]

['Amir Daftari', 'Paul Du Quenoy', 'David Faris']

Date: 2024-12-19 12:39:46-05:00

What's New

Elon Musk is in talks to fund Nigel Farage's Reform U.K. Party, potentially making a historic donation that could reshape British politics.

Reports indicate that Musk could contribute up to £100 million ($127 million), a sum that would far exceed any previous political donation in the U.K.

Why It Matters

The discussions took place during a meeting at President-elect Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida and included Farage and a wealthy backer. If the deal goes through, it could significantly influence the political landscape in Britain, especially as Musk continues to make waves in global politics.

Reform U.K. leader Nigel Farage speaks during the New York Young Republican Club's annual gala at Cipriani Wall Street on December 15 in New York. Farage, President-elect Donald Trump’s highest-profile British champion, confirmed that talks... Reform U.K. leader Nigel Farage speaks during the New York Young Republican Club's annual gala at Cipriani Wall Street on December 15 in New York. Farage, President-elect Donald Trump’s highest-profile British champion, confirmed that talks are underway about Elon Musk making a hefty donation to his political party. More Yuki Iwamura/AP Photo

The proposed donation from Musk has sparked concerns about foreign influence in British politics. U.K. rules allow unlimited donations from U.K. voters or companies registered in Britain, with Musk's social media platform, X, qualifying under this loophole.

Critics argue that it could allow undue foreign interference, and there are calls for tighter regulations to protect the electoral system from such influence. The Electoral Commission has long advocated for changes, including limiting company donations.

Newsweek reached out to Farage via his X account for comment.

What To Know

The Labour Party has promised to address these concerns, although no immediate legislation is planned.

Farage's Reform U.K. Party, founded in 2021, has gained attention for its hard-right platform, including anti-immigration policies and opposition to green energy targets. The party has had limited electoral success but remains influential in shaping U.K. politics, especially following Farage's role in the Brexit movement.

Reform U.K. aims to build on its momentum, seeking to professionalize its organization and increase its reach. Musk's involvement could give the party the financial support it needs to grow its campaign infrastructure.

President-elect Donald Trump listens to Elon Musk as he arrives to watch SpaceX's mega rocket Starship lift off for a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, on November 19. Musk met with Reform... President-elect Donald Trump listens to Elon Musk as he arrives to watch SpaceX's mega rocket Starship lift off for a test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, on November 19. Musk met with Reform U.K. leader Nigel Farage this week at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. More Brandon Bell/AP Photo

What People Are Saying

Nigel Farage, Reform U.K. leader: "We did discuss money. That's a negotiation we will go back and have again. He is not against giving us money. He hasn't fully decided whether he will."

Vijay Rangarajan, chief executive of the Electoral Commission: "We have been calling for changes to the law since 2013, to protect the electoral system from foreign interference."

Rob Ford, a political science professor at the University of Manchester: On the potential donation to Reform U.K., he said: "It's certainly adding a new joker to the pack of cards in British politics."

What Happens Next

As the discussions between Musk and Farage continue, political leaders and watchdogs will likely push for legislative reforms to address concerns about foreign influence in the U.K. electoral system.

While Musk's donation is still uncertain, it could have a lasting impact on the political dynamics in Britain, particularly if Reform U.K. leverages the funding to build a stronger campaign infrastructure ahead of future elections.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.

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[1] Url: https://www.newsweek.com/elon-musk-considers-backing-nigel-farages-uk-reform-2003588

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