The rocket man is on a joyride—and it’s threatening to derail democracy.
Elon Musk’s histrionics on X, his own social media platform, almost tanked interim legislation in Washington, D.C., aimed at keeping the lights on. This time, it wasn’t Trump leading the charge—he was straggling behind Musk, his “Dark MAGA” ally, as Musk flexed to force a government shutdown.
Republican lawmakers quaked after Musk posted threats of campaign-funding retribution in the 2026 midterms for those who refused to fall in line. Yet, with substantial support from across the aisle, the bill scraped through, narrowly averting chaos. Now, the U.S. is once again gripped by the debate over how money—especially Musk’s billions—is corroding its politics.
Musk isn’t new to weaponizing his wealth. In September 2023, he admitted to blocking his Starlink satellite network to prevent Ukraine from launching strikes on Russian naval vessels. Both Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Russian President Putin reportedly maintain direct lines to Musk, who juggles his geopolitical whims with his business interests. The U.S., reliant on Musk’s space technology for its military-industrial complex, seems unwilling—or unable—to rein him in.
But it’s not enough for Musk to play kingmaker from the wings. With the congressional budget showdown, he appears to be testing the limits of his newfound alliance with Trump, hinting at deeper ambitions as Trump prepares to take the oath of office again. Meanwhile, Musk has also signaled plans to fund far-right movements in the U.K. and Germany, a move that could tip Europe into political instability and anarchy.
Musk’s antics are outlandish, but they exemplify a dangerous global trend: unchecked wealth warping democracy to serve private interests. As Musk revels in his role as disruptor, one truth becomes starkly evident—when unfathomable wealth dictates political agendas, it’s the rest of the world that pays the price.