WASHINGTON (AP) — The rise of enigmatic billionaire Elon Musk as a key figure near President Donald Trump has sparked a unique situation — a White House adviser leveraging one of the world’s most powerful communication platforms to advocate for the government’s messages while confronting its critics. Musk, the owner of X, has been actively promoting Trump’s viewpoints to his 215 million followers, attacking agencies under scrutiny, and making controversial claims. His use of X as both a tool and a microphone for the administration highlights his increasing influence, especially as social media becomes a primary news source for many Americans.
As a special government employee, Musk is not bound by the same rules and regulations as other federal workers. Despite concerns over potential conflicts of interest, Trump has downplayed the issue, stating they would intervene if necessary. However, the idea of the wealthiest individual controlling a significant online platform while having ties to the White House raises questions about the balance of power in our democracy, according to political experts.
The connection between Musk’s X account and Trump’s government has faced criticism for giving the president an unparalleled platform and potential financial incentives for Musk. Musk’s early support for Trump’s policies and his role in government agencies have drawn attention, with critics questioning the transparency and influence of his actions. Musk’s ownership of X and Trump’s stake in Truth Social, a smaller social media platform, further consolidate their power in shaping public discourse and disseminating information.
While Musk claims his X posts are aimed at promoting transparency and public interest, some believe his unfiltered approach and direct communication style provide a new perspective compared to traditional government practices. Despite assurances of openness and accountability from Musk’s initiatives, questions remain about the extent of his influence and the implications of such concentrated power in the hands of a single individual.
Requests for comments from Musk’s special commission, the Department of Government Efficiency, and X have not been answered, further adding to the secrecy surrounding Musk’s activities and objectives.
A spokesperson for Trump’s messages, Elon Musk has been vocal in echoing the narratives of the administration since his involvement became known. On the platform X, where Musk is the most followed user and often recommended as a first account to follow, he frequently amplifies Trump’s viewpoints, sometimes sharing misleading information. For instance, following wildfires in Los Angeles, Musk reposted a claim stating that “TRUMP UNLEASHES CALIFORNIA’S WATER” while criticizing Biden and Newsom for allowing wildfires to burn.
While the Army Corps of Engineers did release water from California reservoirs, the water was directed to farmland in the Central Valley, not to areas affected by the fires in Los Angeles. Musk has also used his platform to criticize government actions, such as disrupting a government funding deal before Trump took office and advocating for the shutdown of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Musk has not shied away from insinuating that others may have committed crimes, indicating possible approval from the administration and Justice Department. His posts have led to responses from officials, including U.S. Attorney Ed Martin, who acknowledged tips originating from Musk’s platform. Musk’s actions have raised concerns about transparency, with critics pointing out selective sharing of information and suspension of accounts that mention his DOGE team members.
The blurring of lines between Musk’s personal interests and government matters has drawn scrutiny. As Musk wields influence within the Trump administration, his actions have paralleled those of other CEOs who have aligned with the president’s views. The dynamics of Musk’s interactions on social media and his involvement in government affairs have sparked debates about transparency, accountability, and the intertwining of personal and public interests.
The call for removing fact-checking and the echoing of Trump’s concerns about government pressure on social media companies to “censor” lawful speech have raised concerns. The fate of TikTok in the U.S. hinges on securing new ownership, with Trump actively involved in brokering a deal and even suggesting potential government ownership. Steven Livingston, the founding director of the Institute for Data, Democracy & Politics at George Washington University, pointed out Elon Musk’s influential role as indicative of democracy’s vulnerability. Livingston highlighted how decision-making power seems to be shifting towards billionaires like Musk rather than Congress, blurring the lines between private interests and governmental authority. The uncertainty around where Musk’s influence ends and the government’s responsibility begins reflects a troubling trend in American democracy. Reporting on this from New York is Swenson. The Associated Press is supported by various private foundations to bolster its coverage on elections and democracy. For more information on AP’s democracy initiative, visit their website. The AP retains full editorial control over all its content.
