donald trump [Archival audio]: Frankly, I believe this was the greatest political movement in history. Nothing like this has ever happened before in this country, and perhaps outside of this country.
Leah Figer: This victory was decisive and almost shocking. Many of us still don’t understand the major factors that have pushed this country to the right. But here at WIRED, we have a theory, and we’ve been reporting on Elon Musk for a while.
donald trump [Archival audio]: Who did you tell?
[Archival audio]: Elon.
donald trump [Archival audio]: Oh, let me tell you. A new star is born. A star is born, Elon.
Leah Figer: This is WIRED Political research laboratorya show about how technology is changing politics. I’m Leah Fieger, senior political editor at WIRED. As we discussed on the show a few weeks ago, Elon has entered the political conversation in a big way this season, supporting Trump, attending rallies, and putting more than $100 million behind him. Did his influence bring about changes in Trump, and what’s happening now? Tim Marchman, WIRED’s director of science, politics and security, joins me today to talk about all this and more. Hi Tim.
Tim Marchman: Hey, I’m glad to be here.
Leah Figer: I’m glad you’re here too. WIRED senior reporter Vittoria Elliott will also be participating. Hi Tori.
Vittoria Elliott: Hey, Leah.
Leah Figer: Please check in quickly. How are you both doing?
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’s great. To be honest, I wish someone would prescribe me beach time like I used to.
Leah Figer: Instead of spending time at the beach, instead of reading Victorian novels in the park, we should be talking about Elon Musk. right? I think that’s incredibly fun for me too.
Tim Marchman: I think we’ll be talking about Elon Musk for the next four years. I can’t wait either.
Leah Figer: Let’s get started. So the big question for me, and probably for all of us, is: Did Elon Musk make this happen? Is he responsible, at least quite responsible, very responsible, or primarily responsible for this Trump victory? What do you think?
