WSJ What’s News — Why Elon Musk Is Getting Back Into U.S. Politics

Date: January 23, 2026
Host: Alex Osilov
Guest: Emily Glazer, WSJ Enterprise Reporter

Episode Overview

This episode examines Elon Musk's re-entry into U.S. political fundraising and strategic involvement ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The discussion covers Musk’s political priorities, his relationship with Donald Trump and new Vice President J.D. Vance, and what his influence could mean for Republican efforts and policy debates. Additional top headlines include a setback for Intel, the U.S. government's new recommendations on artificial sweeteners, South Korea’s new AI laws, global anti-smuggling efforts, and Netflix’s bet on live daredevil streaming.

Main Theme: Musk’s Political Comeback

(00:29) Setting the Stage

• Host Alex Osilov introduces the main political headline: “Elon Musk is back in US Politics.”
• Musk is aiming to mobilize Trump-only voters for midterm and down-ballot races, signaling a shift from his prior focus on presidential elections.
• Quote [00:32]:
  “Musk is focused on converting Trump voters, some of whom only show up to vote for Trump in the presidential election, into voters for the midterms and down ballot races.” — Alex Osilov

(03:21) Musk’s Political Apparatus Reactivates

• Guest Emily Glazer explains Musk’s renewed engagement:
  • Early meetings are happening with political vendors.
  • Musk donated $10 million to a Kentucky Senate candidate, Nate Morris, who has ties to VP J.D. Vance (Trump’s Vice President).
  • VP Vance and Musk remain in direct contact about Republican strategies.
  • Musk’s focus: converting presidential-cycle-only voters, helping GOP down-ballot, retaining Congressional majorities.
• Quote [04:05]:
  “Our understanding from our sources is that Musk is focused on converting Trump voters, some of whom only show up to vote for Trump in the presidential election, into voters for the midterms and down ballot races.” — Emily Glazer
• Musk’s involvement helps him retain influence with the administration.

(04:19) Relationship with Trump and Vance

• Osilov asks about Musk’s rapport with Trump.
• Glazer:
  • Musk and Trump’s public falling-out in 2025 has thawed.
  • Reconnected at activist Charlie Kirk’s funeral, with ongoing talks and a recent dinner with Trump and Melania (publicly posted on X).
• Quote [04:39]:
  “There was a big turning point around September... Musk and Trump sat in the same box. Our sources say that they spoke at length there. And from there the two began to meet more, talk more, including as recently as a dinner this month...” — Emily Glazer

(05:00) Musk’s Priority Issues

• Musk amplifies his stances via X (formerly Twitter), increasingly vocal about culture war issues.
  • Opposing gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors.
  • Calls for government deregulation and spending cuts.
  • Recently supported proof-of-citizenship requirements for voting, aligning with Trump’s agenda.
• Quote [05:18]:
  “He’s posted a lot more recently about a vision for a leaner U.S. Government... very big on cutting federal spending, deregulation and proof of citizenship mandates at the polls.” — Emily Glazer

(05:40) Track Record and Expectations

• Musk’s political investments don’t always yield victories:
  • Example: Loss in 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court race, despite heavy spending.
• Glazer notes that Musk’s political reentry creates a mutually beneficial channel for influence with the GOP administration, even if not always electorally decisive.
• Quote [05:44]:
  “Well, it doesn’t always mean they win. Musk made a huge investment in a Wisconsin supreme court race in 2025 that did not pay off...” — Emily Glazer

Other Key News Headlines

(00:42) Intel’s Earnings Disappoint

• Intel forecasts another loss, despite past investor optimism; shares drop 17%.
• Ongoing struggles with inventory and server chip rollout.

(06:51) New Dietary Guidelines on Artificial Sweeteners

• The U.S. government now recommends limiting both sugar and artificial sweeteners (like aspartame, sucralose).
• Laura Cooper (WSJ beverage reporter) outlines:
  • These substitutes are in many diet sodas, energy drinks, and foods.
  • Food and beverage companies have long relied on them to reduce sugar.
  • It’s unclear if companies will pivot to more ‘natural’ sweeteners.

(08:38) Global Developments

• South Korea is first to pass comprehensive AI transparency laws, mandating disclosure and labeling for AI-generated content (fines up to $20,000+).
• French Navy seized a Russian oil tanker for sanction busting: a signal Western nations are taking action against the Russian oil-smuggling fleet.

(09:13) Netflix Tests High-Profile Live Streaming

• Rock climber Alex Honnold to scale Taipei 101 (1,600+ feet, no ropes) live on Netflix.
• Ellen Gamerman (WSJ):
  • Honnold’s unique fear response and meticulous prep.
  • Netflix’s strategy: live, can’t-look-away content for primetime.
• Quote [10:28]:
  “He’s built differently than most of us. Like literally, they’ve looked at MRIs of his brain and he is very slow to have a fear response... He’s known for his meticulous preparation, and he’s also got fierce powers of concentration.” — Ellen Gamerman

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [00:32] Alex Osilov:
  “Musk is focused on converting Trump voters, some of whom only show up to vote for Trump in the presidential election, into voters for the midterms and down ballot races.”
• [04:39] Emily Glazer:
  “There was a big turning point around September... Musk and Trump sat in the same box. Our sources say that they spoke at length there...”
• [05:18] Emily Glazer:
  “He’s posted a lot more about a vision for a leaner US Government... cutting federal spending, deregulation, and proof of citizenship mandates at the polls.”
• [08:10] Laura Cooper:
  “The soda companies have worked for a very long time to move away from sugar and this was what they were using to do that. I don’t anticipate that diet or zero sugar offerings will go away...”

Key Timestamps

• 00:29: Musk’s return to politics headline
• 03:21: Emily Glazer: Musk’s political reactivation and focus on down-ballot races
• 04:25: Musk’s renewed relationship with Trump and Vance
• 05:00: Musk’s core issues and communication via X
• 05:40: Analysis of Musk's track record in recent elections
• 06:51: U.S. dietary guidelines recommend limiting artificial sweeteners
• 09:13: Streaming daredevil Alex Honnold live on Netflix
• 10:28: Honnold’s singular brain and preparation style

Summary

This episode provides a concise, business-focused breakdown of Elon Musk’s major re-engagement with U.S. politics in 2026, revealing the strategic aims and personal relationships driving his actions. While Musk seeks to expand GOP turnout beyond the presidential cycle and influence Republican policy, his financial power is not always synonymous with political victory. The episode also tracks important economic headlines, health guidance, global policy moves, and pop culture experiments — all in the fast-paced, news-first tone characteristic of What’s News.