‘I Welcome Support From African-Americans’: DeSantis Responds To Elon Musk’s Name-Drop

Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis on Wednesday responded to comments from tech billionaire Elon Musk — who revealed he was leaning toward supporting DeSantis in the 2024 presidential race — by saying he welcomes “support from African-Americans.”

Musk, who is white, was born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1971. He became an American citizen in 2002, thus technically making him an African-American.

“I’m focused on 2022,” DeSantis said at a press conference, “but with Elon Musk, what I would say is you know I welcome support from African-Americans. What can I say?”

The line drew laughs from those around him in the room.

“I’m focused on 2022, but with @elonmusk what I would say is you know I welcome support from African-Americans. What can I say?” – @GovRonDeSantis pic.twitter.com/SuWQVLMORE

— Robbie Myers (@robbievmyers) June 15, 2022

Outlets like the satirical Babylon Bee have long poked fun at leftist organizations for attacking Musk. In March, the outlet ran a story titled, “SNL Writers Denigrate Successful African-American Businessman.”

On Wednesday, The Daily Wire reported that Musk is “leaning towards” supporting DeSantis in 2024 after tweeting that he had backed the Republican candidate who made history in south Texas on Tuesday night.

“I voted for Mayra Flores – first time I ever voted Republican,” Musk announced late Tuesday evening. “Massive red wave in 2022,” he predicted.

I voted for Mayra Flores – first time I ever voted Republican.

Massive red wave in 2022.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 15, 2022

Flores won a special election in Texas’s 34th Congressional District, becoming the first Republican to Congress elected in that district in more than 100 years.

In a follow-up question, an account asked Musk, “What are you leaning towards?” for president in 2022. Musk simply responded, “DeSantis.” Musk stopped short of an endorsement.

DeSantis

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 15, 2022

“I supported Yang last time, but DeSantis has a better chance of winning,” Musk explained.

The Daily Wire also noted that Musk recently doubled down on supporting the Republican Party for the upcoming midterms because of how Democrats have treated him.

“I support free speech, but not any one candidate,” Musk said on Twitter this past spring. “In fact, I gave money to & voted for Hillary & then voted for Biden. However, given unprovoked attacks by leading Democrats against me & a very cold shoulder to Tesla & SpaceX, I intend to vote Republican in November.”

“Like I’m not sure, I might never have voted for a Republican, just to be clear,” Musk also said. “Now this election I will.”

While there is no indication that DeSantis is considering a run for the GOP nomination in 2024, several polls have shown him to be a top contender if he throws his hat into the ring.

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