NEW Warren Report: Special Interests over the Public Interest: Elon Musk's 130 Days in the Trump Administration
Warren Highlights 130 Potential Acts of Corruption in Musk’s 130 Days in Government
Since Election Day, Musk’s staggering net worth has increased by over $100 billion.
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) released a new report entitled, “Special Interests over the Public Interest: Elon Musk's 130 Days in the Trump Administration.”
The report provides 130 examples of unethical or potentially corrupt actions that benefit Musk or his companies — one for each day of Musk’s service as a Special Government Employee. While serving as an adviser during the Trump transition, as a “Special Government Employee” in the White House, and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has increased his net worth by over $100 billion. Meanwhile, many pending enforcement actions,creating at least $2.37 billion in potential liability for his companies, are now either stalled or have been dismissed.
The new report includes a list of 130 actions by Musk or Trump administration officials that broke ethics norms and precedent or may have violated laws regarding federal employees’ participation in matters in which they have a financial interest, laws against bribery and gratuities, or the rules prohibiting use of government positions for private gain — all while benefiting Musk’s companies.
The report breaks these actions into 15 main categories, including:
- Official government time and resources have been spent promoting Musk’s businesses.
- Under the Trump Administration, federal government agencies — perhaps influenced by Musk or seeking his favor — have entered or explored new lucrative contracts for his companies and turned to his companies’ services.
- During the Trump Administration, federal agencies have dropped investigations into Musk companies, declined to enforce regulations against them, or foregone penalties that appear to have been warranted.
- Largely guided by Musk’s DOGE, the Trump Administration has hamstrung the agencies overseeing Musk’s companies, gutting their staff, throwing sand in the gears of their operations, and embedding DOGE staff loyal to Musk.
- Agencies have pursued policy changes and regulatory approvals that benefit Musk’s companies.
- Musk received special access to sensitive government meetings, classified information, and proprietary government data that can boost his companies.
- Musk has been involved in selecting and installing personnel loyal to him in agencies that regulate or contract with his companies.
- Musk appeared to redirect foreign aid and immigration policy toward his personal parochial interests rather than the public’s interest.
- Musk companies reportedly use the promise of federal assistance — or threat of federal penalties — to extract better deals from business partners and competitors.
- The Trump Administration weaponizes federal enforcement powers against Musk’s enemies.
- Musk’s influence-peddling in Congress will benefit his bottom line.
- Musk secured deals with foreign nations and companies, often after using his unique access to Trump Administration policy discussions and staff.
- Musk’s family members also receive new business opportunities – soon after Musk becomes top advisor to the president.
- Musk uses his influence to meddle in the political and judicial processes in ways that could help protect his political — and financial — interests.
- Despite his calls for the government to practice “maximum transparency,” Musk has failed to inform the American people of critical information about his potential conflicts of interest.
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