evidence: Musk has often been described as libertarian,[1] but also describes himself as "politically moderate".[2] Following the COVID-19 pandemic, however, his views have also been described as becoming more right-wing and conservative over time.[3] Within the context of American politics, Musk has said he supported Barack Obama in 2008[4] and 2012, Hillary Clinton in 2016, Joe Biden in 2020, and Donald Trump in 2024.[5] In 2022, Musk said he would start voting for Republican Party candidates,[6] with him showing support for Vivek Ramaswamy in the 2024 Republican presidential primaries.[7] He has stated support for universal basic income,[8] gun rights,[9] freedom of speech,[10] a tax on carbon emissions and opposes government subsidies.[11][12] He is also a critic of illegal immigration[13][14] and short-selling.