Image credit: Grox/X

In 2024, Elon Musk's influence transcended pretty much all imaginable boundaries - even for him - as he struck home a remarkable 12 months in the realms of Web3, artificial intelligence (AI), and global politics. 

The outspoken (insert appropriate noun here: entrepreneur, provocateur, disruptor, narcissist, future president…) has been pivotal in shaping AI policy to his direct involvement in political campaigns. Musk's astonishing year was marked by strategic moves and controversial statements that kept him at the forefront of public discourse. 

This comprehensive timeline outlines the key moments that contributed to his growing prominence.

January

Musk kicks off the year by predicting a tumultuous one for global politics, citing the significant number of elections worldwide and suggesting that 2024 would be "even more crazy" due to the democratic tests these elections represent.

April

At the Breakthrough Prize ceremony, Musk humorously speculated on the future of U.S. presidential elections, suggesting that an AI candidate might contest in 2032. However, he also warned about AI's potential to "undermine democracy" if not managed properly.

He further predicted that AI would surpass human intelligence within a year or two, a statement that sparked debate on the implications for jobs and society.

May

Musk made headlines at VivaTech 2024, discussing a future where AI would take all jobs, proposing a concept of "universal high income" to adapt to this new reality. His vision of AI and robots providing all goods and services was both praised for its forward-thinking and critiqued for its potential socio-economic disruption.

October

Musk's political involvement became more pronounced as he ramped up efforts to support Donald Trump's re-election campaign. His actions included financial donations and public endorsements on his platform, X. His dedication was seen as an attempt to influence policy in favor of his businesses, particularly in reducing regulations.

His behavior on X, including the spread of misinformation and deepfakes, raised questions about his role in shaping public opinion during the election cycle.

November

Following Trump's victory, Musk was appointed to a significant role in Trump's administration, focusing on government efficiency and proposing massive budget cuts. His involvement in shaping U.S. policy was now official, highlighting his influence beyond the tech world.

Musk's AI company, xAI, achieved a $50 billion valuation after raising $5 billion, surpassing the valuation of X, showcasing his continued impact on AI development.

His outspoken support for Trump and his policies further polarized public opinion, with some viewing him as a key player in conservative politics while others criticized his potential conflicts of interest.

December

Musk's year concluded with discussions on his national security implications due to his business ties with China, with some arguing these connections could pose risks to U.S. interests. This sparked debates on his security clearance and the strategic importance of his companies like SpaceX.

His influence in Web3 was evident as he continued to push for decentralized technologies, with his actions on X influencing the migration of users to platforms like Bluesky, reflecting a broader impact on the social media landscape.

Not one to end the year without a bang, Musk defended the H-1B visa program, which sparked a rift among Trump supporters. Musk, alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, argued for the expansion of visas for highly skilled workers, highlighting the necessity for tech companies like those he runs to access global talent. 

This stance clashed with some of Trump's base, who advocate for an "America First" policy focusing on American labor, leading to public contention and debates on social media and in political circles.

The Future is Musk?

Musk's 2024 was a year of significant growth in influence across Web3, AI, and politics. His predictions, political endorsements, and business ventures not only kept him in the headlines but also actively shaped discussions around technology's role in society, governance, and the future of work. 

As we move into 2025, Musk's actions continue to be a focal point for debates on innovation, ethics, and power in the digital age.

‍