Robert Reich argues that Elon Musk’s wealth and control of essential businesses have given one private citizen dangerous influence over US politics and foreign policy. He points to reports that Musk restricted Ukraine’s access to Starlink, disrupting drone operations, and Musk’s explanation that Ukraine had breached the service’s terms. Because Starlink is important to both US and Ukrainian military strategy, Reich says Musk should not be able to make such decisions on his own. He rejects the idea that Musk’s influence is justified by entrepreneurial genius, arguing that Musk’s companies and products depended on others’ work.
Reich connects Musk’s corporate power to his political spending and government ties. He cites roughly $445m in donations toward the 2026 midterms, $250m spent to help Donald Trump win in 2024, and the resulting access to government data and billions in Pentagon contracts. He also highlights Musk’s political support for Texas Republican Ken Paxton and his spread of a false claim about Paxton’s Democratic opponent. Reich calls for taxing billionaire wealth, curbing political money, breaking up monopolies, ending government contracts with Musk, and nationalizing Starlink if its military role makes cancellation impractical. In the meantime, he urges people to avoid Tesla, X, and Starlink and support politicians who would reduce Musk’s power.
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