In a revealing discussion at CPAC 2025, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk opened up about his political evolution, explaining how he shifted from being politically neutral to aligning with the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement. Musk, who has become an increasingly vocal figure in conservative circles, attributed his change in stance to what he described as the Democratic Party’s efforts to “infringe on people’s personal freedoms.”
“I was probably politically neutral for quite a while, leaning a little Democrat,” Musk said during the moderated Q&A session. “But then they went crazy. They didn’t just go crazy—they were crazy.”
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Musk pointed to several issues that drove him away from the Democratic Party, including cancel culture, restrictions on free speech, and attempts to expand government control over personal liberties. “They’re trying to stop freedom of speech and infringe upon people’s personal freedoms,” he said. “They want state control of what you say, they want to take away your guns. It’s like there’s nothing you can do to oppose them.”
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO emphasized his belief in restoring the “fundamental elements of what made America great,” which he identified as freedom and opportunity. He also expressed concern about the erosion of these values not just in the United States but across the Western world.
“We’re seeing a lot of these freedoms disappearing in the West,” Musk said. “It’s not just about America. We’re watching Europe, and they’re about 50 to 100 years ahead of us in terms of losing freedoms. In Europe, they put people in prison for memes. That’s insane. It feels like a collapsing society.”
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Musk’s comments reflect his growing alignment with conservative and libertarian principles, particularly his emphasis on individual liberty and limited government intervention. He also touched on his personal experience of being vilified by the media, which he said intensified as he became more politically outspoken.
“When they’re chanting for my death, I suppose that’s a little… not good,” Musk said wryly, referencing the intense criticism and backlash he has faced from some quarters. “But for me, I really just wanted to do useful things—build products, provide services that are good. I wasn’t interested in being political. At a certain point, there was no choice.”
Musk’s appearance at CPAC 2025 marks a significant moment in his political journey, as he has increasingly positioned himself as a critic of progressive policies and a supporter of conservative causes. His remarks resonated with the audience, many of whom share his concerns about government overreach and the preservation of traditional American values.
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