• 최종편집 2025-02-10(월)
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In a stunning move that has drawn fierce criticism from both political sides, billionaire Elon Musk has assumed a highly controversial role within the US government. Critics are calling it an unprecedented “coup” in the heart of the US government, with Musk, the world's richest man, now making critical decisions with little to no oversight.

 

The debate over Musk’s role intensified after President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged the billionaire’s involvement in efforts to streamline federal spending.

 

 This move included Musk’s plan to shut down the US Agency for International Development (USAID), a government agency with a budget of $40 billion, which Musk described as a "criminal organization." Trump supported Musk’s actions, suggesting that the agency is filled with “crazy radical leftists,” but many have expressed concern over the concentration of power in the hands of an unelected private individual.

 

The creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Musk, has only fueled the controversy. Although Musk does not hold an official cabinet position, he is tasked with overseeing and advising on efforts to cut government spending, potentially impacting agencies such as USAID. 

 

This self-described “special government employee” has started pushing sweeping changes, including eliminating telecommuting for federal workers, enforcing a voluntary separation plan, and attacking diversity policies. 

 

Musk has even called for cracking down on government waste by overseeing payment systems that deal with trillions of dollars, leading to further concerns about conflicts of interest, especially given his companies’ ties to government contracts.

 

As if the direct influence of Musk’s initiatives wasn’t controversial enough, reports emerged of Musk’s hand-picked recruits allegedly requesting access to the Treasury Department’s payment system, a move that led to the removal of a senior official who objected. 

 

The vast access to financial and personal data of American citizens has raised serious questions about accountability, especially since Musk is not accountable to Congress in the way elected officials are.

 

The ambiguity surrounding Musk’s role—unquestionably powerful yet unelected and unaccountable—has sparked heated debates about potential conflicts of interest, particularly as Musk’s decisions directly affect industries where his companies operate. 

 

Musk, who famously claims to be a businessman and not a politician, has promised to slash federal spending by a staggering $1 trillion, though critics question whether these cuts are being made in the best interest of the public or to further his own business interests.

 

As the billionaire continues to wield influence over government agencies without formal oversight, experts and lawmakers are calling for greater transparency and accountability. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren has expressed alarm at Musk’s growing control, saying, "No one elected Musk to make these decisions, and yet here he is, shaping policy without scrutiny."

 

In the coming months, the question remains whether Musk’s unprecedented rise to power will remain unchecked or whether Congress and government officials will step in to restore balance and oversight to the federal system. With Musk’s influence growing and his actions drawing increasing scrutiny, one thing is clear: the future of US governance may never look the same.

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Elon Musk’s Role in US Government Sparks Controversy: The Coup of a Billionaire?
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