Elon Musk’s Growing Influence in American Politics: A Threat to Democracy?

A Billionaire’s Rise to Political Power

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), has emerged as a formidable force in American politics. While managing his vast business empire, Musk has also been actively involved in shaping the political landscape, particularly in support of Republicans. His influence extends beyond the federal level, as he is now deeply involved in a high-stakes state supreme court election in Wisconsin. Critics argue that Musk’s involvement in politics represents a significant threat to democracy, as he welds enormous financial and cultural power to sway elections and policies in favor of his allies.

Musk’s political ascent began during Donald Trump’s presidency, when he formed a team known as the “Department of Government Efficiency” (Doge). This group, composed primarily of young male software engineers, aimed to streamline federal operations but ultimately led to widespread layoffs and controversial practices that faced legal challenges. Musk’s influence grew further when he appeared alongside Trump in the Oval Office and at the Conservative Political Action Conference, where he symbolically wielded a chainsaw to represent his approach to cutting government bureaucracy. Today, Musk is not only a key Trump ally but also a major political spender, investing millions of dollars in Republican campaigns across the country.

Musk’s Meddling in the Wisconsin Supreme Court Election

One of Musk’s most notable political maneuvers is his involvement in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, scheduled for April 1. The race is critical, as it will determine whether liberals maintain their narrow 4-3 majority on the court. The court is set to hear cases on abortion rights, union protections, election laws, and congressional redistricting—issues that could have far-reaching implications for the state and the nation.

The election is officially non-partisan, but in practice, it has become a highly partisan contest. Republicans are backing Brad Schimel, a former state attorney general and Trump supporter, while Democrats are supporting Susan Crawford, a Dane County circuit judge. Musk has thrown his weight behind Schimel, with his political action committee spending $1 million to support the Republican candidate. Additionally, another Musk-funded group, Building America’s Future, has invested $1.6 million in TV ads attacking Crawford. One of these ads was withdrawn after it mistakenly featured a photo of a different woman named Susan Crawford.

Crawford has accused Musk of attempting to “buy a seat on the Supreme Court” to advance his agenda. She has received significant funding herself, including $3 million from the Wisconsin Democratic Party, with contributions from liberal philanthropist George Soros and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. Despite the financial backing, Crawford faces an uphill battle against Musk’s deep pockets and influence.

The Motives Behind Musk’s Political Spending

Musk’s involvement in the Wisconsin election is not just about ideology; it also aligns with his business interests. Tesla, which Musk owns, is currently embroiled in a lawsuit challenging Wisconsin’s decision to block the company from opening dealerships in the state. The case could ultimately be decided by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and Schimel has not committed to recusing himself if he wins the election. This has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the ability of the court to remain impartial.

Beyond the immediate legal battle, Musk also has a broader political agenda. His support for Republican candidates is part of a larger effort to expand conservative influence at both the state and federal levels. In Wisconsin, a crucial swing state, the supreme court could play a decisive role in resolving disputed elections, particularly as the 2028 presidential election approaches. Musk has openly tweeted about the importance of voting Republican in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election to “prevent voting fraud,” a claim that critics argue is baseless and designed to undermine trust in the electoral process.

The Broader Implications of Musk’s Political Ambitions

Musk’s involvement in politics is not limited to Wisconsin. In 2023, he spent nearly $300 million supporting Republican campaigns, according to Federal Election Commission filings. His efforts included backing Trump’s presidential campaign and funding Republican candidates in House and Senate races. Musk has also dabbled in state-level politics, particularly in Texas, where he has relocated several of his businesses. In 2024, he donated $1 million to a tort reform group supporting Republican legislative candidates and $2 million to a group campaigning for Republican judges.

Musk’s political spending has raised alarms among Democrats and democracy advocates, who see his actions as an attempt to consolidate power and undermine the rule of law. Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler accused Musk of trying to “buy the court system” while defying the constitution to enrich himself and harm the middle class. Wikler warned that Musk’s actions are part of a larger effort to eliminate checks on his power and advance a radical conservative agenda.

The Dangers of Musk’s Influence

Critics argue that Musk’s political influence represents a unique and profound threat to American democracy. His ability to merge vast financial resources with his control over major platforms like X (formerly Twitter) gives him unprecedented power to shape public opinion and sway elections. Musk’s actions have already led to significant pushback, including protests and growing public discontent. A recent Washington Post-Ipsos poll found that only 34% of respondents approved of Musk’s handling of his political role, while 49% disapproved.

Despite this growing opposition, Musk’s influence shows no signs of waning. His control over X allows him to amplify right-wing narratives and suppress dissent, creating an uneven playing field in political discourse. His ability to fund primary challengers against Republicans who oppose Trump’s agenda has also created a climate of fear among lawmakers, who are reluctant to cross him.

Conclusion: The Need for Accountability

Elon Musk’s foray into politics has raised important questions about the role of billionaires in shaping American democracy. While he has positioned himself as a key ally of Trump and the Republican Party, his actions also reflect a broader ambition to consolidate power and advance his own interests. As Musk continues to spend heavily in elections and use his platforms to influence public opinion, the need for accountability has never been greater.

Democrats and democracy advocates are calling for stricter regulations on political spending and greater transparency in election financing. They argue that allowing individuals like Musk to wield such immense influence over the political process undermines the principles of fairness and representation that underpin American democracy. As the Wisconsin Supreme Court election approaches, the stakes could not be higher—for the state, for the nation, and for the future of democracy itself.