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More than three-dozen protests hit Tesla showrooms over the weekend. Musk’s questionable running of the Department of Government Efficiency is why. What are people’s main concerns?
Musk continues to divide opinion with everything he does.
The eccentric X boss has become a key part of Donald Trump’s entourage, expressing solidarity with just about everything the president says – and why wouldn’t he? It’s in his best interest to do so.
Trump’s desire to reduce the size and scope of the US federal government spells opportunity for Musk, whose actions suggest he is keen to fill any void left. The latest PR storm involves his running of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE – not that one).
Though it’s not officially a government agency, DOGE has forced the virtual shutdown of the US Agency For International Development (USAID), freezing lifesaving programs that were delivering HIV treatments, oxygen, and other medical aid to communities globally.
Through DOGE, Musk has reportedly given his team access to private taxpayer data and classified information without permission. Given the department shares its alias with a meme coin, some US citizens are rightly concerned about their financial security.
In alignment with Trump’s recent clampdowns, this department has also shut down numerous diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs to free up funding. Meanwhile, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an agency which would have regulated Musk’s new payment service at X, is being actively dismantled. Coincidence?
Though any direct partnership is vehemently denied by both men, it appears that the tech tycoon’s newfound political role is bolstering Trump’s corporate ventures and vice-versa.
Critics are concerned that the vested interests of both men have the potential to undermine US democracy, as public services are warped to suit their right-wing agenda.
