Could Trump's win benefit Musk's xAI in Memphis?
Nov 06, 2024
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As former President Donald Trump secured a return to the White House, it seems one of the other big winners from Tuesday night's presidential election is likely to be tech multibillionaire Elon Musk — along with his companies such as the xAI supercomputer facility in southwest Memphis.
According to the Federal Election Commission, Musk donated almost $119 million to a political action committee for Trump. He also appeared at Trump rallies and used his social media platform X to intensify the campaign's message
"I'm not just MAGA, I'm dark, gothic MAGA," Musk has said.
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The potential benefits could be wide-ranging for Musk and his companies such as Tesla, Space X and the xAI data center, which is housed in a former Electrolux facility in Memphis.
It's believed xAI could now get special treatment from the incoming Trump administration as it hopes secure funding to modernize the energy grid.
It's also been speculated that Musk could also play an influential role possibly as an adviser in the upcoming Trump Administration.
xAI expanding in Memphis with 522-acre lease
But recently some Memphis activists voiced their concern about Musk and whether other corporations moving here will be environmentally friendly.
"Right now, we got Elon Musk and his xAI plant with 18 methane gas turbines continuously operating and with a plan to double that, and you got to stop polluting the areas first," said state Rep. Justin J. Pearson.
"As new industry is attracted, we have to hold a higher standard to what we expect from corporations from coming into this community," said Sarah Houston, executive director with Protect Our Aquifer.