Senator Cory Booker has made it clear that he won’t accept any campaign donations from Elon Musk. Even though the tech billionaire has shown interest in supporting him financially, Booker said he’s not comfortable taking money from someone who has promoted views that he finds harmful, especially when it comes to race and equity.
In a recent interview with The Washington Post, Booker explained why he’s turning down Musk’s offer. He said that even though he appreciates the attention Musk has brought to important topics, the things Musk has posted and supported on social media don’t match Booker’s values.
The New Jersey Democrat added that many of Musk’s public remarks, especially those related to race and diversity programs, have been “dangerous.”
Despite refusing the money, Booker still wants Musk to take action. He asked Musk to use his big public platform to speak out against a bill that’s backed by Donald Trump and supported by some Republican lawmakers. This bill could ban federal agencies from funding programs that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Booker said he’s worried about what might happen if this bill becomes law. In his view, it could harm ongoing efforts to make workplaces, schools, and government offices more inclusive.
These types of DEI programs are designed to ensure equal opportunities for people from different backgrounds, especially those who’ve been historically disadvantaged.
He believes Elon Musk could make a big impact by publicly opposing the bill. “Use your voice,” Booker urged, saying that someone with Musk’s global influence could help shift the conversation. Musk, who is CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has millions of followers and is known for sharing bold opinions online.
The bill in question is part of a broader push by some conservatives to roll back DEI programs, which they argue are divisive or unfair. Trump has made it a talking point in his campaign, claiming that such initiatives discriminate against certain groups.
Booker disagrees strongly. He says DEI programs are not about exclusion but about fairness. He believes that creating more inclusive environments is not just the right thing to do—it’s also good for business and society as a whole.
Many companies and educational institutions use these programs to improve hiring practices, student admissions, and overall culture.
Although he won’t take money from Musk, Booker made it clear that the fight against the bill is more important than politics or fundraising. He encouraged everyone with influence, not just Musk, to take a stand and speak out.
So far, Musk hasn’t publicly responded to Booker’s request. In the past, Musk has criticized DEI efforts and called them discriminatory. He’s even removed some DEI-related programs from his companies.
Still, Booker remains hopeful that Musk might change his approach. He said that people can grow and evolve, and he hopes Musk will use his platform to promote fairness instead of fighting it.
Booker’s stand shows a bigger trend happening in politics right now. More and more leaders are speaking up about where they draw the line—not just in terms of money, but also in terms of values.
And even though it’s common for politicians to accept large donations from wealthy individuals, Booker is saying that not all money is worth taking.
As the debate around DEI and race-based policies continues, voices like Booker’s are highlighting the growing tension between tech leaders, politicians, and social movements. With the 2024 election coming closer, these issues are likely to remain at the center of national conversation.