How Musk's clout with Trump may help his firms

Elon Musk's (pictured) backing of Donald Trump's decisive victory for a second presidency gives the billionaire entrepreneur extraordinary influence to help his companies secure favorable government treatment.

- 

Musk contributed at least $119 million to a pro-Trump spending group, federal records show, and tirelessly touted the former president at the critical late stage of his campaign.

Musk's politicking reflects a wider strategy to insulate his companies from regulation or enforcement and boost their government support, according to Reuters interviews with six Musk-company sources familiar with his political and business dealings and two government officials who have extensive interactions with Musk firms.