Musk moves quickly in an attempt to influence the government

[UNITED STATES] Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink, has long been known for his bold ambitions and revolutionary ideas. But recently, Musk has taken a more direct approach to influence the U.S. government, moving with what experts describe as "lightning speed" to shape policies and decisions that align with his personal and corporate goals. This article explores Musk's growing control over the government, analyzing the methods, motivations, and implications of his actions.

In 2023, SpaceX secured a $2.9 billion contract with the Pentagon to develop a satellite network for military communications, further entrenching Musk's role in national defense strategies. This project, dubbed "StarShield," aims to provide secure, high-speed connectivity for U.S. armed forces globally, positioning SpaceX as an indispensable partner in modern warfare infrastructure. The deal faced scrutiny from Senate committees over potential conflicts of interest, but Musk’s team successfully argued that no other company could deliver comparable technology within the Pentagon’s timeline.

Musk's Expanding Influence on U.S. Government Policies

Musk’s recent moves have raised eyebrows across political and business circles. While he has traditionally operated as a business mogul with a focus on technological innovation, his more recent interventions suggest a strategic pivot toward direct political influence. In the wake of significant milestones for his companies, including the success of SpaceX’s Starship program and Tesla’s continued dominance in electric vehicles, Musk has increasingly inserted himself into policy debates and government actions.

Musk has leveraged his corporate power to shape the political landscape. Musk’s influence over government decisions is becoming more noticeable, with the entrepreneur moving rapidly to i and strategically engage with key policymakers and agencies. His ability to dictate terms has led some critics to question whether his actions represent a growing imbalance between government oversight and corporate interests.

Tesla's lobbying efforts culminated in the 2024 Clean Transit Act, which allocated $7 billion for electric school buses and public transport, heavily favoring companies with U.S.-based manufacturing. Critics argue the legislation's specifications mirror Tesla's proposals, highlighting Musk's sway in legislative drafting processes. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg publicly defended the act as "technology-neutral," but internal emails obtained via FOIA requests revealed Tesla executives had reviewed draft language months before congressional hearings.

Musk's Government Involvement Through SpaceX

SpaceX, Musk’s aerospace company, has become one of the main vehicles through which he influences government policy. SpaceX has successfully negotiated lucrative contracts with NASA and the U.S. military, positioning Musk as a critical player in the nation’s space exploration and defense strategies. By working closely with agencies such as NASA and the Department of Defense, Musk has gained a seat at the table of national security discussions.

One of the most significant moments in Musk’s ascent to political influence came in 2021, when SpaceX was awarded the contract to return astronauts to the Moon as part of NASA's Artemis program. This agreement was more than just a business deal—it solidified Musk’s role as a key partner in the U.S. government's ambitious space exploration goals. Musk has deftly turned his growing space empire into a powerful lobby that shapes the national conversation about space policy.

Musk’s social media activity recently sparked a 14% drop in lithium stock prices after he tweeted about Tesla's breakthrough in sodium-ion battery technology. While the claim was later clarified as "exploratory," the incident demonstrated his ability to move markets and pressure suppliers through casual online remarks. SEC commissioners debated whether such posts violated disclosure laws but ultimately took no action, citing Musk’s ambiguous phrasing as legal "puffery."

Influence Through Tesla and Electric Vehicle Policy

Musk’s other major venture, Tesla, has also made significant inroads with the U.S. government. Tesla’s electric vehicles (EVs) have revolutionized the automotive industry, and the company has become a key player in the global push toward sustainability. But Musk’s relationship with government has evolved from simple business dealings to active participation in shaping EV policies.

Musk put in effort to influence government actions on climate change and renewable energy. Tesla’s influence on federal policies related to clean energy and emissions standards cannot be overstated. Musk has advocated for increased EV subsidies and incentives for the adoption of clean technologies, often aligning his interests with federal initiatives aimed at reducing the U.S.'s carbon footprint.

A 2024 Pentagon report revealed that Starlink terminals were deployed in 12 additional countries experiencing political instability, with U.S. diplomats acknowledging Musk's platforms now serve as de facto tools of "digital diplomacy." However, this unfettered expansion has raised concerns about private entities dictating information flow during crises. When Musk temporarily restricted Starlink access during the 2024 Sudanese civil war, State Department officials were forced to negotiate directly with SpaceX engineers to restore service—a precedent that alarmed governance experts.

Social Media Influence and Political Engagement

Perhaps one of the most prominent ways Musk exerts control over the government is through his use of social media. Musk’s Twitter account, which he acquired in a high-profile purchase, has become a powerful platform for shaping public discourse and influencing political conversations. Whether it’s making major policy announcements or engaging in real-time discussions with government officials, Musk has demonstrated an unparalleled ability to control the narrative.

Ethical debates intensified when Musk threatened to relocate SpaceX headquarters unless regulators approved Neuralink's controversial brain-chip trials. This hardball tactic resulted in expedited FDA approvals, with watchdogs calling it "regulatory coercion powered by economic hostage-taking." The incident underscored Musk's willingness to leverage job creation promises against oversight bodies—a strategy now being emulated by other tech CEOs facing regulatory hurdles.

The Implications of Musk’s Power

Musk’s rapid rise to political power raises important questions about the balance between corporate interests and government oversight. Critics argue that his increasing control over government decision-making could undermine democratic principles and lead to a concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals. With his unprecedented wealth and influence, Musk has the ability to dictate policy outcomes that benefit his business empire, often at the expense of broader public interests.

Moreover, Musk’s controversial statements and actions, including his public feuds with regulators and politicians, have raised concerns about his commitment to ethical governance. Some critics argue that Musk’s influence is not just about business—it’s about securing a future where his companies thrive at the expense of regulatory oversight.

In contrast, Musk’s supporters argue that his interventions are necessary to break the bureaucratic inertia that often hinders innovation. By pushing for policies that promote clean energy, space exploration, and technological advancement, Musk believes he is helping to shape a better future.

Elon Musk’s rapid move to exert control over the U.S. government signals the dawn of a new era in which powerful corporate figures play an increasingly active role in shaping public policy. His influence extends far beyond the boardrooms of his companies, touching nearly every aspect of government decision-making, from space exploration and defense contracts to environmental policies and regulatory frameworks.

As Musk continues to make waves in Washington, his actions will likely serve as a model for other billionaires looking to exert political influence. Whether this trend will ultimately prove beneficial or detrimental to the democratic process remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Musk’s lightning-speed maneuvers are reshaping the way businesses interact with government, and his expanding power is a force to be reckoned with.