WP: Elon Musk's political influence sparks uproar as he derails government funding bill

Elon Musk, Tesla CEO and the world’s richest man, has never held public office, yet his growing influence in US politics has led some to dub him the "shadow president." 

This week, Musk’s actions caused a political uproar after he used his platform on X (formerly Twitter) to pressure House Republicans into blocking a government funding bill, Caliber.Az reports via The Washington Post (WP).

His rapid-fire posts, which included several false claims about the bill, sparked a wave of reactions in Washington, with many lawmakers reporting an influx of calls from constituents who saw Musk’s messages.

Musk’s opposition to the bill, which aimed to keep the government open for another three months, was soon echoed by former President Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance. Within hours, Republicans scrapped the deal, which was ultimately replaced by a more contentious proposal involving a two-year debt ceiling hike—one of Trump’s demands. However, this second measure was swiftly defeated, increasing the likelihood of a government shutdown.

The event has raised alarm among Democrats, watchdog groups, and academics, who argue that Musk’s influence over the Republican Party risks transforming the US government into an oligarchy, driven by the interests of the wealthiest individuals. Some critics also voiced concerns about the potential conflicts of interest Musk faces due to his businesses' reliance on government contracts.

Musk's involvement in shaping political decisions is not new. He has been a vocal supporter of Trump, offering public backing for Trump’s agenda, and has even been appointed co-chair of the "Department of Government Efficiency," a group advocating for significant federal spending cuts. His tweets, which frequently circulate false information, reflect the same style of governance that Trump championed during his time in office.

Republicans have largely defended Musk’s actions, framing him as an engaged citizen exercising his right to influence public policy. Some GOP members have even suggested Musk could take on a larger role in Washington, with figures like Sen. Rand Paul and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene openly discussing the possibility of Musk leading the House of Representatives.

Yet, critics worry that Musk’s ability to sway legislative decisions, particularly when the stakes are high, points to a troubling future where the richest individuals hold disproportionate sway over government decisions. As Washington braces for potential gridlock and a looming government shutdown, Musk’s political rise may be just beginning.

By Aghakazim Guliyev