Elon Musk’s Hostile Takeover of the U.S. Government

Elon Musk’s rapid ascent from tech mogul to unelected, unaccountable government overlord should alarm every American who believes in democracy. Over the past year, Musk has used his vast fortune to help elect Donald Trump and is now dismantling key federal agencies, consolidating power, and silencing critics—all with the backing of Trump. His actions reveal a chilling reality: the richest man in the world is now making decisions that could shape the lives of millions, all without accountability or oversight.

Musk’s endorsement of Trump and subsequent $290 million spent on his reelection campaign was not merely an expression of political support—it was a calculated investment. That investment has yielded an unprecedented return: the creation of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an Orwellian entity Musk now wields like a reaper’s scythe to reshape the federal government in his own image.

Over the past week, Musk’s DOGE operatives—some as young as 19 years old— have strong-armed their way into multiple government agencies, demanding unfettered access to computer systems, firing top officials who resist, and seizing control of key bureaucratic functions. 

Last week Musk’s henchmen seized control of the Treasury Department's payment system. The power grab raised serious concerns among lawmakers and consumer advocates, who fear it could jeopardize Social Security, Medicare, and taxpayer data security. DOGE now has access to the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, which disburses trillions in federal payments annually. This unprecedented move threatens financial stability, allows unfettered political interference in essential programs, and poses cybersecurity risks due to Musk’s business ties with foreign governments. 

A private billionaire with no government oversight should not have access to critical financial infrastructure that affects millions of Americans. DOGE is not an elected or officially vetted entity, making its control of Treasury systems undemocratic and dangerous. The Treasury system contains Social Security numbers, bank accounts, and tax data of millions of Americans. Allowing DOGE access—especially given Musk’s global business interests—creates a serious risk of data misuse, hacking, and foreign exploitation.

With DOGE’s influence, the government could selectively approve or withhold payments based on political or ideological considerations, undermining fairness and democracy. Already, the reported freezing of payments to Lutheran Family Services suggests partisan interference.

Career civil servants who traditionally oversee these systems are being replaced or sidelined by unvetted DOGE operatives, raising questions about legality and ethical governance. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s approval of DOGE’s access contradicts longstanding checks and balances. Musk’s access to federal payments is an alarming overreach that threatens financial security, privacy, and democratic governance. 

Musk’s attempt to dismantle USAID, the nation’s largest provider of humanitarian assistance is yet another example of his abuse of power. With the stroke of a keyboard and a flurry of social media taunts, Musk has gutted an agency responsible for saving lives around the world.

Musk’s alarming onslaught represents an existential threat to democratic governance. Unlike elected officials, who must answer to voters, Musk operates with total impunity. His role as a "special government employee" allows him to circumvent financial disclosures and security screening, raising serious ethical concerns—especially given his business interests.

Consider this: Musk's companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, rely heavily on government contracts and subsidies. Now, he is positioned to influence the very agencies that regulate and fund his businesses. This blatant conflict of interest is not just unethical—it’s a glaring example of oligarchic rule masquerading as government reform.

Musk’s influence extends far beyond government buildings. With his ownership of X, he controls one of the most powerful media platforms in the world, using it to spread misinformation, attack critics, and stoke division. Over the weekend, he weaponized X to smear USAID as a “radical-left psy-op” and a “criminal organization” without a shred of evidence. His words have real-world consequences, sowing chaos and fear among federal employees and the organizations that depend on USAID.

Perhaps most concerning is Musk’s open declaration that those who resist his takeover will face consequences. By amplifying threats from Trump-appointed prosecutors and far-right politicians, he is sending a clear message: opposition will not be tolerated.

Musk’s takeover of federal agencies is not about efficiency or cost-cutting—it’s about control. His radical agenda, which includes dismantling regulations, eliminating public funding for social programs, and punishing ideological opponents, is fundamentally undemocratic. And yet, because he operates outside traditional government structures, there are few mechanisms in place to stop him.

The American people did not elect Elon Musk. They did not grant him the power to rewrite government policy, purge federal agencies, or dictate foreign aid decisions. Yet, through a toxic blend of wealth, influence, and naked ambition, he has managed to seize a level of authority that rivals even the president himself.

If Musk’s shadow presidency is allowed to continue unchecked, it will set a dangerous precedent for billionaires to bypass democracy entirely. Today, it’s the U.S. Treasury and  USAID. Tomorrow, it could be Social Security, environmental protections, or even the justice system itself. We are witnessing, in real-time, the corrosion of American democracy at the hands of an unelected corporate tyrant.

The question is: will we stop him before it’s too late?