Elon Musk is no stranger to controversy. From revolutionizing space travel to shaking up the auto industry, he thrives on disruption.
But now, his influence has reached the U.S. government, sparking fears of a power grab that could redefine democracy itself.
Historian Timothy Snyder has sounded the alarm, calling Musk’s actions dangerously close to a “coup.” So, what’s really happening?
In a matter of weeks, Musk has positioned himself as a key figure in U.S. government operations.
His role as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has given him unprecedented control, but critics argue that his authority comes with little to no oversight.
Musk’s influence extends far beyond efficiency reforms. His team has made aggressive moves that have left federal agencies scrambling:
- Blocking Federal Aid: Musk’s team halted funding for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), locking employees out of their systems and disabling official accounts.
- Access to Classified Data: Reports suggest he has been granted unrestricted access to classified intelligence, government contracts, and sensitive taxpayer information, including Social Security numbers.
- Control Over Government Payments: The federal payment system, responsible for trillions of dollars in spending, is now under Musk’s purview. Experts warn this could give him the ability to manipulate government operations at will.
- No Senate Oversight: Unlike Cabinet officials who require Senate confirmation, Musk’s advisory role allows him to wield immense power without congressional approval.
Lawmakers, constitutional scholars, and activists are raising alarms.
Washington, D.C., has seen waves of protests, with demonstrators accusing Musk and the Trump administration of undermining democracy.
Timothy Snyder warns that this could be a new kind of coup—one fought not with tanks, but with control over digital infrastructure and financial networks.
“In the third decade of the 21st century, power is more digital than physical,” he cautioned.
Legal battles and congressional investigations may follow, but for now, Musk’s grip on government operations remains largely unchallenged.
If his authority continues to expand unchecked, the U.S. could face a constitutional crisis unlike any before.
Elon Musk has always pushed boundaries, but his latest moves raise a fundamental question: Is he a visionary reformer or an unelected ruler reshaping the U.S. government to fit his own agenda?
The answer will determine the future of American democracy.
Clark is a 26-year-old expert working for consumer protection, Clark has dedicated years to identifying and exposing fraudulent schemes. He is working with NGOs to help people who are victims of scams. In his free time, Todd plays football or goes to a bar.
