Elon Musk donates $5 million to Vivek Ramaswamy's Ohio campaign months after Doge clash

Tech trillionaire Elon Musk has donated $5 million to a super PAC supporting Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign for governor of Ohio, according to newly released campaign finance filings.

The contribution was made to Victors, Not Victims (V-PAC), the main political action committee backing Ramaswamy's bid for the Republican nomination. It is Musk's first direct financial contribution to the Ohio governor's race.

Backing comes after reported differences over Doge initiative

The donation comes months after reports of tensions between Musk and Ramaswamy during their involvement in President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) initiative.

The two were initially chosen to help lead the advisory effort aimed at reducing government spending. However, Ramaswamy later stepped away from the initiative to focus on his gubernatorial campaign, while Musk continued with the project.

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Despite speculation about differences between them, both have publicly dismissed reports of a fallout.

After Ramaswamy announced his campaign, Musk posted on X: "Good luck, you have my full endorsement!"

Ramaswamy has also rejected suggestions of conflict, saying the two simply had different approaches.

"I think that's incorrect," he said in an interview with Jesse Watters Primetime on Fox News. "We had different and complementary approaches. I focused more on a constitutional law, legislative-based approach. [Musk] focused more on a technology approach."

Ohio race becoming increasingly competitive

Musk's contribution adds to Ramaswamy's already significant campaign resources.

The biotech entrepreneur has previously committed $25 million of his own money to his campaign, giving Republicans a substantial financial advantage heading into the race.

However, political analysts say the election remains competitive.

The Cook Political Report recently changed its rating for the Ohio governor's race from "Lean Republican" to "Toss-Up," citing increased Democratic momentum behind former Ohio Health Director Amy Acton.

Musk remains a major political donor

The latest contribution further strengthens Musk's role as one of the biggest political donors in the United States.

His political spending has increased significantly in recent election cycles, with the $5 million donation adding to a growing list of contributions supporting Republican candidates and causes ahead of the 2026 elections.