Elon Musk has emerged as a major player in American politics, with his actions beginning to influence major decisions in Washington.
His role in derailing a bipartisan deal in Congress to avert a government shutdown has highlighted his influence over the Republican Party and the incoming administration of Donald Trump.
While recognized as the world’s richest man, Musk is being dubbed “President Musk” by Democrats, reflecting their concern over his political influence.
Musk has been tapped by Trump to run the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) agency, but the billionaire is pulling his weight ahead of the president-elect’s inauguration on January 20.
On Wednesday, shortly after 4:00 a.m., the very active owner of Tesla and SpaceX used his social platform X to attack the budget bill pushed by Republicans and Democrats in Congress to run the federal government. .
“This bill should not pass,” Musk, 53, wrote earlier in what became a barrage of letters.
“Kill the bill,” he exhorted Republican members of the House of Representatives. “This bill is criminal.”
A number of Republican lawmakers quickly fell in line, some even joining in the flattery.
“In five years in Congress, I’m looking forward to a fundamental shift in the dynamic,” Rep. Dan Bishop commented on an X post by Musk. “Has arrived.”
Other right-wing members of Congress even suggested that the South African-born Musk take over as speaker of the House.
Trump later joined the budget battle himself.
The 78-year-old president-elect slammed the spending bill, calling it “ridiculous and extraordinarily expensive.”
The dramatic development left the country facing a government shutdown just days before Christmas.
Musk cheered after the bill was torpedoed. He said that the voice of the people was heard. “It was a good day for America.”
He reposted a photo of himself in front of an American flag with the words “VOX POPULI” and “VOX DEI,” a Latin phrase that translates to “the voice of the people is the voice of God.”
After the intervention, Republicans in Congress on Thursday came up with a new funding package that satisfied Trump and Musk.
Who is in charge?
Democrats have painted the tech billionaire as unstable and a megalomaniac, and hope that calling him “President Musk” will sting Trump.
“Democrats and Republicans spent months negotiating a bipartisan deal to fund our government,” Senator Bernie Sanders said. “The richest man on earth, President Elon Musk, doesn’t like it.
“Will Republicans Kiss the Ring?” Sanders asked. “Billionaires should not be allowed to run our government.”
“At least we know who’s in charge,” said Democratic Representative Jim McGovern.
“He’s the president and Trump is now the vice president,” McGovern said.