Elon Musk and the Erosion of Democracy: Pushing the Boundaries of Oligarchy and Influence in the 2024 Election

By Michael Kelman Portney

Introduction

Elon Musk, one of the wealthiest individuals in modern history, has carved out a unique role in the political landscape, not just as a public figure but as a force shaping public opinion and influencing political outcomes. Musk’s unprecedented wealth and ownership of influential companies, such as SpaceX, Tesla, and Twitter (now X), allow him to wield outsized influence, often in ways that appear aimed at consolidating power among the wealthy elite. His actions in the lead-up to the 2024 U.S. election raise troubling questions about the future of democracy and the emergence of oligarchic rule. This paper will critically examine Musk’s role as a powerful influencer, his financial sacrifice to control media platforms, and the potential impact of his alliance with Donald Trump on American democracy.

Musk’s Influence on Public Discourse and Democracy

Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in 2022 marked the start of his explicit foray into political influence through social media. Branding himself as a “free speech absolutist,” Musk leveraged his newly acquired platform to amplify narratives aligned with his views while reshaping Twitter’s operational framework. Despite claims of promoting open discourse, Musk’s tenure saw the amplification of specific ideologies, including right-leaning perspectives, through policy changes and selective reinstatements of previously banned accounts. His definition of “free speech” appears less about fostering balanced dialogue and more about promoting views that align with his ideological leanings. In this, he demonstrated a willingness to weaponize free speech, reframing Twitter not as a neutral platform but as a tool to push specific agendas.

Furthermore, Musk’s reported willingness to take a financial hit on Twitter reveals his understanding of the platform’s strategic, rather than purely economic, value. By accepting significant financial losses, he has underscored his belief in the platform as a vehicle for influence—a mouthpiece to amplify his ideology and political alliances. This strategy, while risky financially, positions him as a key player in shaping political discourse, one whose motives extend far beyond profit. Musk’s actions highlight a new type of influence in American politics: one where the billionaire class can buy their way into shaping public opinion directly, unfiltered by the checks that govern traditional media.

Musk and the Vision of an Oligarchic Society

At the heart of Musk’s influence is a stark divergence from democratic ideals. Musk’s worldview, as evidenced in his statements on wealth, governance, and merit, suggests an alignment with oligarchic principles. By consolidating power through wealth and influence over social platforms, Musk embodies the essence of an oligarch—a ruler by wealth rather than democratic mandate. His ownership of X and SpaceX, both companies with significant sway over media and national infrastructure, gives him unparalleled access to tools of influence that ordinary citizens, or even traditional politicians, do not possess.

Musk’s public comments often reveal an unsettling disdain for equality, framing social issues as nuisances rather than legitimate public concerns. His stance on taxes, labor rights, and regulatory oversight further illustrate his contempt for systems designed to protect democratic equality. In advocating for fewer government regulations and lower taxes for the ultra-wealthy, Musk perpetuates a model of governance where wealth equates to power, and democracy becomes merely a façade.

Historically, the rise of oligarchs has signaled the decay of democratic systems. Musk’s consolidation of wealth and his influence over major technological and media platforms serve as a reminder that when power is concentrated in the hands of a few, democracy’s promise of equal representation and voice is systematically undermined.

Alignment with Trump and Shadow Presidency

Musk’s political alignment became clearer with his vocal support for Donald Trump during the 2024 election cycle. By promoting policies and candidates that align with Trump’s agenda, Musk’s influence extends beyond mere endorsement; he appears to be actively positioning himself as a “shadow president,” shaping policy agendas without holding public office. This influence suggests that Musk’s involvement in the election is not simply a matter of personal preference but a strategic maneuver to secure a government favorable to his interests. The potential for policy shifts benefiting Musk’s ventures, from favorable regulations to lucrative government contracts, creates a troubling feedback loop where government policy and Musk’s self-interests are inseparably intertwined.

The role of a “shadow president” is inherently anti-democratic. Musk, unaccountable to voters, wields influence over policy through his wealth and media platform, essentially bypassing the electoral process. His alliance with Trump raises the stakes, as Musk’s power extends into the realm of governance without the oversight or accountability that democratic office requires. This unchecked power creates an environment where one individual’s vision for the country can override the collective will of the electorate.

Broader Implications for American Democracy

The rise of Musk as a political force signals a shift toward a system of governance increasingly defined by oligarchic power. When individuals like Musk hold sway over public opinion and policy, the principles of representative democracy erode, replaced by a system that caters to the interests of a wealthy elite. Musk’s actions undermine the foundational tenets of democracy by positioning himself as a gatekeeper of information, a role traditionally safeguarded through checks and balances to ensure fairness.

Moreover, Musk’s manipulation of “free speech” on Twitter serves as a cautionary tale about the weaponization of influence. His rhetoric of free speech veils a calculated strategy to amplify select narratives, reducing the platform’s utility as a forum for genuine public discourse. In doing so, Musk weakens public trust in democratic institutions and media, eroding the very foundation upon which informed citizenry relies.

The implications of Musk’s influence extend far beyond the 2024 election. His consolidation of power reveals the fragility of democracy in the face of unchecked wealth and influence. If allowed to continue unchecked, Musk’s actions portend a future where the few, rather than the many, dictate the political and social direction of the nation.

Conclusion

Elon Musk’s trajectory from entrepreneur to political influencer reflects a concerning trend toward oligarchy in American politics. His financial sacrifice for control over Twitter, his alignment with Trump, and his apparent vision of a society governed by the wealthy threaten the fabric of democracy. To counter the influence of figures like Musk, the U.S. must implement stronger safeguards to ensure that wealth does not equate to power and that democratic principles remain at the heart of governance. As Musk’s example shows, the future of democracy hinges on our ability to confront and contain the influence of those who would use wealth to bypass democratic accountability.