New Report Reveals Elon as a Major Beneficiary Amid DOGE’s Impact on Social Security
A recent report from the Washington Post reveals that Elon Musk’s various companies have taken over $38 billion from the federal government. This substantial amount has come from taxpayer money through various forms of support, including subsidies, government contracts, loans, and tax credits, largely benefiting Musk’s prominent companies like Tesla and SpaceX. However, it’s possible that the actual sum is even higher. The report highlights that this figure does not include classified government contracts, such as those related to national defense, like the $1.8 billion contract for developing spy satellites for the Pentagon.
It’s no surprise that Musk has benefited significantly from public funds, especially since he is known for his criticism of governmental support for social programs that help everyday people. Currently, Musk and his allies are involved in efforts to reduce federal benefits that support millions of low- and middle-income Americans.
A concerning aspect of Musk’s influence is seen in his interactions with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Reports indicate that he has collaborated with the Trump administration to target the SSA, which is crucial for providing retirement benefits to around 73 million Americans. Recently, the SSA has been facing budget cuts and office closures in various states, resulting in the planned shutdown of several locations, including in Michigan and New York. Furthermore, the acting SSA head, Leland Dudek, appointed by Trump, has been reported to have instructed for a significant reduction in the agency’s workforce by 50% — a move that could severely impact its ability to function effectively.
Adding to the controversy is Dudek’s past connection with Musk’s team. Before becoming the SSA head, he was under scrutiny for his dealings with Musk’s group involving access to sensitive information. This connection raises questions about the motivation behind the changes happening within the SSA.
The SSA has officially announced its intention to lay off employees and mentioned that their agency will be undergoing significant changes. These layoffs were confirmed in emails from the General Services Administration as a part of broader federal staffing reductions proposed by the Trump administration. There’s concern among SSA staff that these layoffs are being done gradually to prevent large headlines about massive job losses. Sources within the SSA indicated that the intent seems to be to minimize public outrage while still implementing drastic cuts.
In addition, Musk has spread misleading information about the Social Security system, claiming that the government is paying benefits to deceased individuals, a statement that the acting commissioner had to publicly correct. This misinformation has fed into a narrative that undermines trust in the Social Security program, which is critical for many Americans.
The GOP-led Congress has proposed significant changes to Social Security funding, such as eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits, which experts warn could drastically increase the national debt and harm the program’s future viability. Many Republican voters are expressing their frustration during town hall meetings, confronting their representatives over their support for Musk and the associated cuts to essential programs.
Despite this unrest among constituents, some lawmakers, like Rep. Jay Obernolte from California, have brushed off these concerns, suggesting that change was necessary and voters got what they voted for in recent elections. This scenario paints a complicated picture of how significant figures like Musk can influence policy while simultaneously benefiting from public funds.
