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Sunday, 8 June 2025

Trump and Musk Feud Highlights the Consequences of Unchecked Wealth in American Politics


Elon Musk has publicly declared the extent of his political influence in the United States, exposing what is usually kept behind closed doors: the power of billionaire money in electoral outcomes.

“Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House, and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate. Such ingratitude,” Musk posted on his X platform amid his escalating feud with Donald Trump.

When right-wing commentator Laura Loomer noted that Capitol Hill Republicans were debating whom to back in the high-profile spat, Musk responded with a boast about his enduring influence: “Oh and some food for thought as they ponder this question: Trump has 3.5 years left as President, but I will be around for 40+ years … ”

American billionaires have long tried to shape politics through financial leverage, but Musk has been unusually overt and aggressive, underlining how transactional governance in the U.S. has become.

This public falling-out between Trump and Musk illustrates the reality of a post-Citizens United political system, where wealthy individuals bankroll campaigns and expect a seat at the policy table. Musk reportedly spent nearly $300 million to support Trump’s 2024 election bid and was temporarily involved in a government initiative focused on deregulation.

Observers now watch a bitter power struggle unfold between the president and a prominent megadonor, both angling to reshape government spending. A satirical site summed it up with biting clarity: “Aw! These Billionaires Are Fighting Over How Much Money to Steal From Poor People.”

Since the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision allowed unlimited corporate and outside spending on elections, concerns have grown that such financial influence would erode trust in democracy. Justice Anthony Kennedy, who authored the opinion, asserted that “the appearance of influence or access… will not cause the electorate to lose faith.” The unfolding Trump-Musk conflict seems to challenge that assumption.

“Fifteen years after that decision, we’re seeing the full culmination of living under a Citizens United world – where it’s not just elections that are for sale, but it’s that our entire government, and the apparatus of our government, is up for sale,” Tiffany Muller, president of End Citizens United, told the Bulwark earlier this year.

Musk’s financial involvement is not isolated. Across federal and state races, ultra-wealthy donors in both parties invest heavily to tilt outcomes. Bernie Sanders, during the Democratic convention last year, warned: “Billionaires in both parties should not be able to buy elections, including primary elections.”

Earlier this year, Musk funded a judicial race in Wisconsin and supported Republicans aiming to challenge judicial rulings unfavorable to Trump. Even when his influence doesn’t yield wins, its specter looms large.

Still, his unofficial role limits his authority. Trump’s major spending bill failed to meet Musk’s expectations, sparking the falling-out. Reports suggest the administration sought Musk’s input before the bill went public, an act critics call a blatant display of corruption.

The breakdown of their alliance is particularly striking given how it began—with Musk gaining front-row access in Trump’s administration. Now, Musk uses his platform to rally opposition against Trump’s budget, urging followers to pressure Congress.

Right-wing media has taken sides. Breitbart criticized Trump’s treatment of his biggest donor, while the Washington Examiner backed Musk’s position on the bill.

“I don’t mind Elon turning against me, but he should have done so months ago,” Trump said, before declaring Musk had “lost his mind.”

GOP figures are largely siding with Trump for now. “President Trump has done more than any person in my lifetime to earn the trust of the movement he leads,” JD Vance stated.

Should Musk disengage, he may consider launching a third party—an idea that historically has little traction but could gain momentum with his financial firepower and digital influence. Meanwhile, Democrats are trying to court him. Rep. Ro Khanna urged dialogue with Musk, arguing that the left must learn to win without alienating potential allies.

“If Biden had a big supporter criticize him, Trump would have hugged him the next day,” Khanna wrote. “We can be the party of sanctimonious lectures, or the party of FDR that knows how to win & build a progressive majority.”

Economic and Global Implications 

The fallout between Trump and Musk may also have far-reaching consequences for both the U.S. economy and global markets. Musk's influence over tech policy, regulatory frameworks, and government contracts—especially in sectors like energy, transportation, and defence could create instability if his alliances shift unpredictably. A politically vengeful Musk could delay or disrupt key infrastructure and innovation agendas.

Furthermore, global markets watch these power dynamics closely. A feud of this magnitude between the President and one of the world’s wealthiest entrepreneurs could rattle investor confidence, especially in industries where Musk is deeply embedded. It signals a volatile political climate where private interests can dramatically sway policy outcomes, contributing to uncertainty in foreign direct investment, trade policy, and tech governance worldwide.

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