Revealed: Musk Uses DOGE to Stifle Competition, Siphon Money into Own Pockets

In his role chairing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Elon Musk has criticized excessive government spending and dependency. Ironically, he is one of the greatest beneficiaries of our tax dollars. Over the last 20 years, his businesses have received at least $38 billion in loans, subsidies, government contracts, and tax credits.

Our tax dollars should be used to better our communities. Musk using government loans and subsidies is not necessarily a bad thing – in fact, Tesla is an example of the success that can come from public investment in private companies. Tesla used government loans to make affordable electric vehicles, reducing carbon emissions to help our environment. But now Musk is advocating for cuts to the same departments that granted his companies contracts and strangling other businesses that could also help our communities and the environment. By gutting programs and agencies that helped his business empire succeed, he is eliminating access to assistance before his competitors can use it.

Musk is also abusing his position to influence government contracts in his favor. In March, The Washington Post reported on changes to a Biden-era program providing internet to rural communities. The program's contract with Cajun Broadband to provide fast and reliable internet to 450,000 households in Louisiana has been put on hold after the Trump administration announced that it is redirecting grants from broadband to satellite companies, particularly Musk's Starlink company.

DOGE cuts are harming our communities. Layoffs at the Food and Drug Administration will make our food supply chain less safe, and cuts to the National Institute of Health have slashed funding for cancer research. The unelected billionaire is recklessly putting our country at risk so that he can put money in his pockets.

Let's fight back against the billionaire class and say, "Hands off our public services!" ■