Despite the world's richest man contributing almost $300 million to help President-elect Donald Trump secure a second term, some Democrats are looking to develop a working relationship with Elon Musk as his role in the government grows, Politico reported Thursday.
Trump announced in November that Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy would spearhead the incoming administration's goal of weeding out government inefficiency and wasteful spending. This level of influence has made communicating with Musk a sober and judicious move for many on the political left.
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., has been more than complementary to Musk, comparing him to Marvel comics' tech entrepreneur Tony Stark.
"He's had an undeniable impact on the Pennsylvania election, and I think the election overall," Fetterman told Politico. "I've warned Democrats, if you're just going to make fun of it or to dismiss it, you do it at our peril. And I think that's very clear what happened."
Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., has also indicated he is willing to work with Musk to help identify waste.
"I'm ready to work with @doge, @elonmusk + @VivekGRamaswamy to slash waste. I have a track record of doing so," Khanna posted on X last week, noting he and Musk have exchanged texts.
"We have a candid conversation," Khanna said. "He also knows where I disagree with him.
":We need to engage these technologists and builders to be part of our coalition, but without compromising our values."
Not all are willing to give Musk a pass on his newfound political role.
"I reserve the right to be surprised, but this looks to me like a coming kleptocracy, in which all these billionaires are running the government in order to rig the rules," Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., told Politico, adding "So I'm pretty f***ing skeptical that this is a legitimate effort."
Pennsylvania Democrat Gov. Josh Shapiro sees Musk as someone who can benefit his state without political differences getting in the way.
"I'm always fighting hard to make sure that folks invest in Pennsylvania," he said. "We did not discuss politics. We obviously have completely different views on politics, different choices and candidates."
Fetterman agreed, advising his party not to dismiss Musk.
"If our government is issuing checks for billions for his companies to rescue our astronauts, or he's involved in things like AI and really important things, it's like he is going to be part of this conversation," Fetterman said. "And that's a fact. And you want it to be as productive as possible."
James Morley III ✉
James Morley III is a writer with more than two decades of experience in entertainment, travel, technology, and science and nature.
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