Elon Musk is the richest man in the world, leaving Jeff Bezos behind with $237 billion behind – being friends with Trump likely driving rise

Last year, Elon Musk battled back and forth with Jeff Bezos for the title of the richest person in the world. One day it was Musk, the next it was Bezos, and sometimes the distance between them seemed razor sharp. But today there is no competition. Musk’s fortune has skyrocketed to an eye-watering $486 billion, leaving Bezos far behind with $233.5 billion — a staggering $237 billion gap, according to Fortune. It’s not just the biggest gulf in their rivalry – it’s the biggest gulf ever recorded between the two titans of wealth.

Don’t miss:

But how did Musk leave Bezos in the dust? Sure, Tesla and SpaceX are booming, but this story is about more than electric cars and space rockets. It’s about timing, politics and Musk’s surprising new alliance with President-elect Donald Trump – a relationship that is turning heads and raising eyebrows.

Musk wasn’t always a Trump supporter. In fact, during Trump’s first term as president, he was openly critical of the administration. But as the 2024 election approached, Musk’s attitude changed. According to a BBC article in November, Musk described himself as a “political moderate” but said he felt compelled to support Trump, citing concerns about the economy, immigration and free speech under another Democratic presidency.

See also: Elon Musk told the UN if they could show a plan to end world hunger, he would donate $6 billion – ‘I’ll sell Tesla shares right now and do it’

Musk didn’t just voice his support; he poured money and influence into Trump’s campaign. He donated $119 million to a pro-Trump Super PAC and launched an ambitious get-out-the-vote effort in battleground states, offering $1 million in giveaways to voters each day leading up to Election Day. Initially challenged in court, the giveaways ultimately went ahead and dominated headlines.

For Musk, it wasn’t just about politics – it was about positioning himself for the future. His efforts paid off in a big way. Encouraged by Trump’s pro-business policies, investors flocked to Musk’s companies. According to CNBC, Tesla shares surged 69% after Trump’s victory, with Wall Street backing Trump’s promises to support autonomous vehicles and electric cars. Similarly, SpaceX saw its valuation balloon to $350 billion as confidence grew that the Trump administration would prioritize defense contracts and private space exploration — both areas where SpaceX reigns supreme.

In addition to Wall Street, Musk’s influence is also growing in Washington. Trump has already tapped him to lead the newly created “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), giving Musk a hand in shaping federal policies. Supporters are hailing the move as a victory for innovation, arguing that Musk’s business savvy could bring much-needed change to outdated government systems. However, critics see it as dangerous and warn that Musk’s dual role as a billionaire business owner and politician could lead to conflicts of interest and unchecked power.

Trending: The creator of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built and big plans to solve housing — you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.

While Musk’s wealth has increased, Bezos seems stuck in neutral. According to Forbes, with a net worth of $233.5 billion, Bezos is still the second richest person in the world, but the gap between him and Musk has never been wider. Bezos says he’s fine with being number two and never set out to be the richest man in the world, as he explained back in 2018 when asked about that title at the Economic Club of Washington.

Musk’s rise isn’t just a story about money—it’s about power. With his newfound political alliance and a fortune that exceeds everyone else’s, Musk is reshaping what it means to be a billionaire in America. Followers see him as a visionary who uses his resources to tackle humanity’s greatest challenges. Critics, however, worry about the risks of concentrating so much wealth and influence in one person’s hands.

For now, however, one thing is clear: Musk is not only dominating the wealth race – he is completely rewriting the rules. Bezos may still be a titan, but Musk is on an out-of-this-world trajectory, and his friendship with Trump may just be the fuel that propels him to unprecedented heights.

Read next: