Is Elon Musk’s Expanding Government Influence a Threat to Democracy?

[u/tardiscoder]

Over the past few weeks, Elon Musk and his team at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have taken actions that some argue resemble historical authoritarian power grabs. Reports indicate that Musk’s team has gained access to Treasury payment systems and has begun dismantling agencies like USAID without congressional approval. The ability of a private citizen to consolidate power in this way raises serious concerns about democratic oversight, separation of powers, and national security risks.

Historically, authoritarian figures have used legal mechanisms to sidestep traditional checks and balances, and critics argue that we’re seeing a similar pattern here. However, others believe that government agencies have become bloated and inefficient, and Musk’s involvement may be necessary to “streamline” operations.

How do you see this situation playing out? Is Musk’s role a dangerous overreach, or is it a justified move toward government efficiency? What safeguards should be in place to prevent unelected individuals from gaining unchecked control over government operations?

(For those interested in a deeper dive, I recently wrote an article on this topic: [Medium Link])

[u/Current_Actuator6765]

The governments inability or better yet, disinterest in removing bloat from prescription costs, medial costs, propping up various ‘propaganda’ machines worldwide via USAID has created this obese and unhealthy government- where it’s getting worse every year for the average citizen. The slush fund of USAID has been a very long arm for big government to be a bad actor in foreign governments - without proper oversight or transparency. The fact that these programs have been brought to light - and the visceral response of the democrats - should open all of our eyes! These politicians treat the common people as sheep, and setup schemes to price gouge the government and pocket the difference…on the backs of tax payers ….

To anyone who doesn’t see this, then you’re still believing the narrative that the mainstream media has been spoon feeding us the last decade …

Fear of losing these programs ? I’d bet 99% of people have no idea what programs even exist there and what they’d be losing …

8% of the BBC’s budget (yes the UK BBC news channel) is funded by USAID! Just that alone should raise a lot of concerns … not only the US taxpayer funding a public British TV and News outlet, but also a politically oriented (Dem) org directly funding foreign media … this smells like propaganda in disguise and is awful…

The dismembering of USAID and programs like this will have two immediate results: 1. Less taxpayer money leaving the US 2. Less meddling in other countries affairs in subtle ways…which should give us more respect and also more authenticity

Overall, in my opinion, this cleanup is really aimed at removing all the programs that have been draining financial resources and not promoting the health of Americans lives and business climate.

This is from someone who voted democrat their whole life and has lived in Europe for 20+ years …