US Senator Elizabeth Warren has released a scathing report detailing how billionaire Elon Musk leveraged his access to government power to boost his personal businesses. The 130-day stint by Musk as a “special government employee” ended officially, but his influence remains. The report highlights over 100 actions that raise questions about corruption and ethics.
Warren’s investigation reveals that Musk used Trump administration policies to secure lucrative contracts for his companies, including SpaceX and Tesla. It also found that the administration allowed numerous cases against Musk companies to go dormant or drop them altogether. Musk has denied violating federal law, but Warren argues he has violated norms at an alarming rate.
The report lists 15 categories of Musk’s actions, including:
1. White House Promotion: Trump turned the White House lawn into a Tesla lot during protests.
2. Lucrative Contracts: Musk companies secured new contracts through “inside tracks” on rich lines of business.
3. Stymied Investigations: The administration allowed nearly 40 cases against Musk companies to go dormant.
4. Hobbled Oversight: Agencies regulating Musk businesses were targeted, with staff being gutted and operations hindered.
Warren’s report concludes that Musk has engaged in scandalous behavior, hurting the American public. The billionaire has pledged “maximum transparency,” but his actions have been shrouded in secrecy.
Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/elon-musk-corruption-elizabeth-warren-report-1235353085