Musk mocks Republican election losses with joke about 'space lasers'
Photo: American billionaire Elon Musk (Getty Images)
American billionaire Elon Musk has reacted sarcastically on X to the results of the US midterm elections, in which Republican candidates suffered a series of defeats.
The businessman joked that his "space lasers," supposedly designed to interfere with voting, had failed this time.
"Guess my election-interfering space lasers didn’t work this time," he wrote.
The billionaire's joke came after an election campaign on which he spent a record amount of money. According to The New York Times, Musk donated $474 million to Republican candidates. This is more than any other donor has contributed to political campaigns during a single election cycle in US history.
One of the biggest recipients of the money was Texas candidate Ken Paxton. Musk contributed $168 million to his campaign. However, the financial backing did not help Paxton win: he lost to Democrat James Talarico.
The result in Texas was historic for the Democratic Party. Its candidate won the state for the first time in 38 years.
As a reminder, following the November 4, 2026, midterm elections, the Democratic Party secured majorities in both chambers of the US Congress. Democrats won 227 seats in the House of Representatives, exceeding the 218 needed for control, and secured 54 Senate seats compared with 42 for Republicans.
US President Donald Trump has already acknowledged the midterm election results and pledged to work with Democrats.
At the same time, he made clear that he would not give ground on issues he disagrees with. Trump pointed to the presidential veto power, which allows the president to block legislation passed by Congress.
