“Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans wouldbe51-49intheSenate.”
That was Elon Musk on June 5, taking credit for Republicans’ sweep of the White House and Congress in 2024. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO, also head of the newly formed White House Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and owner of X, made the bold claim to his 200 million followers. The problem is, it’s just not true.
Yes, Musk spent an eye-popping $291 million in the 2024 election cycle. That made him the largest individual GOP donor. But in total, Republicans spent over $7.6 billion on the presidential and congressional races, according to Open Secrets. Musk’s contribution, while significant, accounted for just 3.8 percent of that total. Helpful? Sure. Pivotal? That’s a stretch.
Musk did campaign for Republicans. He appeared at rallies, participated in town halls, and endorsed Trump after an assassination attempt nearly killed the president in July. But he was hardly the only high-profile figure to come to Trump’s side.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also suspended his independent campaignandendorsedTrump in the final stretch. Kennedy had been polling near 9 percent and could’ve drawn over 13 million votes. Instead, he wound up with about 750,000 — just 0.5 percent. Could Musk have encouraged that move? Maybe. But Kennedy made the choice, and Trump had to make it worth his while. Kennedy is now Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democrat and presidential candidate, also backed Trump. She now serves as Director of National Intelligence.
Musk got his reward too — a powerful federal post and a lot of influence. But his comment about single-handedly winning the election reinforces a dangerous myth: that American democracy is for sale to the highest bidder. That money equals control.
It echoes the concerns voiced by outgoing President Joe Biden in his farewell address, when he warned of “an oligarchy... taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power, and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy.”
Maybe Biden had a point. Now Musk is threatening to tank the very legislation Trump and Republicans campaigned on: a sweeping tax package to extend and expand the 2017 Trump tax cuts. The bill also includes tax relief for seniors, no federal taxes on tips and overtime, manufacturing incentives, and billions to finish the southern border wall and fund deportations — all core promises from Trump’s rallies.
Musk wants to “kill the bill,” reportedly over disagreements about DOGE’s $180 billion in proposed spending cuts and friction over cabinet appointments. But to obstruct legislation backed by 77.3 million voters — the most ever for a Republican — because it’s not perfect? That’s not democracy. That’s ego.
Trump’s 2024 win was historic. He won the popular vote and the Electoral College. Republicans retook both chambers of Congress. But the margins are slim — three seats in both House and Senate. That’s no mandate for absolutism. Compromise is not betrayal. It’s how Congress works.
Musk says he cares about spending. Great. So does everyone. Push for more cuts. Usetheappropriationsprocess. Negotiate. But don’t demand 100 percent purity or threaten politicaldestruction.That’show movements collapse.
Republicans promised tax relief, a secure border, progrowth trade policies, and no cuts to Social Security or Medicare.Theyalsopromised to rein in spending and reduce the national debt, now over $36trillion.Theymustbalance those promises — and act like grownups in the room.
If the GOP fails to pass the tax bill, they’ll hand Democrats a campaign weapon heading into 2026. If they let the perfect become the enemy of the good, they may find themselves back in the minority.
Musk has made sacrifices to wade into the political fray. His brand has taken hits. His companies face backlash. But he’s not the only one who has paid a price. Millions of Americans have faced real consequences for wearing red hats or expressing conservative views. Some nearly lost their lives, like President Trump and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, both targets of political violence.
Does Musk think he’s the only one who has skin in the game? He is one man. Wealthy, yes. Influential, of course. But still, just one man.
Republicans must now decide whether to honor the will of 77.3 million Americans or submit to the tantrum of a billionaire with buyer’s remorse. The choice should be obvious.
If Republicans are serious about governing, they need to pass the tax bill. Then, get to work on spending reform. Build consensus. Be strategic. Not reckless.
Our Constitution does not grant power to the rich or famous. It vests power in the people. And the people spoke in 2024. It’s time to deliver.
Make the promise. Keep the promise. Or face the consequences.
Robert Romano is the Executive Director of Americans for Limited Government.
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