Elon Musk has reportedly minimized the likelihood of donating to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, expressing to an associate that contributing to the British party could be challenging due to his new responsibilities with the US government. The associate relayed that Musk indicated earlier this month that Donald Trump’s inauguration complicates his ability to support Reform, given his position overseeing a cost-cutting initiative within the administration.
Although Musk and Farage met in December at Mar-a-Lago, they did not reconvene when Farage visited Washington, DC, for the inauguration, according to two sources familiar with the situation. In recent months, Musk has made significant statements about UK politics, labeling Reform as the country’s “only hope” while frequently criticizing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Farage noted last month that Musk was considering a donation to Reform. The UK’s lenient rules regarding political donations permit foreign entities—such as Musk’s UK-based X subsidiary—to contribute unlimited amounts to British political parties. However, tensions arose between Musk and Farage over Musk’s backing of Tommy Robinson, a far-right figure currently imprisoned for contempt of court related to libel against a Syrian refugee.
Recently, Musk suggested that Farage should step down as the leader of Reform, asserting in a social media post that Farage lacked the necessary qualities for the role and proposed Rupert Lowe, another Reform MP, as a possible replacement.
Farage has maintained connections with Trump, having participated in his rallies previously. Although he was not invited to the ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda, he attended several parties surrounding the inauguration, including an official ball afterward. Musk chose not to attend a party organized by Brexit supporters Arron Banks and Andy Wigmore in Washington, opting to send an associate in his stead.
Musk is leading the “Department of Government Efficiency” under Trump, a division that will function within an existing federal agency. There are no laws in the US prohibiting Musk from donating to Reform, and he may choose to contribute in the future. Nonetheless, a significant financial contribution from a senior Trump administration member to a British opposition party could strain diplomatic relations between the US and the UK, traditionally strong allies.
Speculation emerged regarding a potential donation of up to $100 million after a media report in November, which has reportedly bolstered the right-wing party’s presence in the polls and incited some minor defections from the Conservative Party, the UK’s primary right-wing party and the official opposition. A spokesperson for Reform confirmed that Musk had not yet made a donation, expressing confidence in their relationship with him. Musk did not provide a comment on the matter.
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