Elon Musk says UK reform donation could be difficult with Donald Trump’s office.

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Elon Musk has privately downplayed the possibility of donating to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK campaign, saying it will not be easy to give money to a British party after joining the US government.

The colleague said Musk told him earlier this month that Donald Trump’s inauguration would complicate his ability to donate. Reformation Because of the tech billionaire’s role running the waste disposal department in the new administration.

even if Musk The pair met Farage in December at Mar-a-Lago while the reformer traveled to Washington, D.C., for Trump’s inauguration, two people familiar with the matter said.

Musk has intervened dramatically in UK politics in recent months, declaring reform the country’s “only hope” and repeatedly criticizing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Last month, Farage, the owner of X and the boss of Tesla, was giving “serious thought” to the reform contribution. The UK’s lax rules on political donations allow foreign-owned entities – such as the UK-based Mask X subsidiary – to give unlimited amounts to British parties.

But the pair have since clashed over Mr Mook’s support for far-right activist and convicted felon Tommy Robinson, who is in prison for defaming Robinson’s Syrian immigrant.

Earlier this month, Musk called for Farage to be replaced as reform leader, posting on X that the veteran politician “doesn’t have what it takes” and suggested alternatives, including Rupert Lowe, another reformist MP.

Farage has formed a relationship with Trump, appearing at his rallies. Although he was not invited to the Capitol Rotunda for Monday’s ceremony, he attended several parties surrounding the event, including an official graduation ball.

Musk did not attend the launch party in Washington on Friday for pro-Brexit businessmen Aaron Banks and Andy Wigmore – allies of Farage – sending a close friend instead.

Musk was tasked by Trump to lead the cost-cutting “Division of Government Efficiency,” or DOGE, which will be housed within the existing federal agency.

There is no US law that prevents Mook from funding reform, and he may still decide to donate. However, a cash donation from a senior figure in the Trump administration to a British opposition party could raise diplomatic tensions between the US and the UK’s closest ally.

Speculation that Musk could make a donation of up to $100 million follows media reports in November as the UK’s far-right party surges in the polls and draws some low-level defection from the Conservatives, Britain’s largest right-wing party and official opposition. .

A Reform spokesperson confirmed that Musk has not made any contributions to date and said, “We have a good relationship with Elon Musk and will continue to do so.” Musk did not respond to a request for comment.