Elon Musk has become a key player in American politics, and his actions are already beginning to influence important decisions in Washington.
His role in derailing a bipartisan deal in Congress to prevent a government shutdown has highlighted his influence over the Republican Party and the incoming administration of Donald Trump.
Although he is recognized as the richest individual in the world, Democrats nickname Musk “President Musk,” reflecting their concern about his enormous political influence.
Trump has tapped Musk to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) agency, but the billionaire is using his influence even before the president-elect takes office on January 20.
On Wednesday, shortly after 4:00 a.m., the hyperactive owner of Tesla and SpaceX used his social platform X to attack the budget bill put together by Republicans and Democrats in Congress to keep the federal government running.
“This bill should not pass,” Musk, 53, wrote in the first of what became an avalanche of posts.
“Kill the bill,” he urged Republican members of the House of Representatives. “This bill is criminal.”
Several Republican lawmakers quickly fell in line, and some even engaged in a little cajoling.
“In five years in Congress, I’ve been waiting for a fundamental shift in dynamics,” Rep. Dan Bishop commented on a Musk X post. “It has arrived.”
Other right-wing members of Congress went so far as to suggest that the South African-born Musk should take over as House speaker.
Trump himself joined the budget battle later that day.
The president-elect, 78, denounced the spending bill as “ridiculous and extraordinarily expensive.”
The dramatic events left the country facing a government shutdown just days before Christmas.
Musk rejoiced after the bill was torpedoed. “The voice of the people was heard,” he said. “This was a good day for America.”
He followed up by posting a photo of himself in front of an American flag with the words “VOX POPULI” and “VOX DEI,” a Latin phrase that translates to “the voice of the people is the voice of God.”
After the intervention, Republicans in Congress presented a new financing package on Thursday that satisfied Trump… and Musk.
Who is in charge?
Democrats have described the tech billionaire as unstable and megalomaniac, and hope calling him “President Musk” will upset Trump.
“Democrats and Republicans spent months negotiating a bipartisan deal to fund our government,” said Senator Bernie Sanders. “The richest man on Earth, President Elon Musk, doesn’t like this.
“Will Republicans kiss the ring?” -Sanders asked. “Billionaires should not be allowed to run our government.”
Democratic Rep. Jim McGovern said, “At least we know who’s in charge.”
“He’s president and Trump is now vice president,” McGovern said.
