Elon Musk is not the root problem. Neither is Donald Trump. The real issue lies in Republicanism and a political system that’s failing us.
Across the U.S.—and here in Iowa—protests have been erupting against Elon Musk and Tesla. Critics highlight Musk’s disturbing admiration for fascist-era symbolism, cozy ties with neo-Nazi groups, and efforts to dismantle federal institutions.
And they’re not wrong—Musk’s behavior and rhetoric have been deeply alarming. From online commentary to public demonstrations and even petitions to remove him, the outrage is loud and growing.
The core argument is this: “Elon Musk holds too much power, and no one elected him. How is one billionaire allowed to wreak havoc on the U.S. government?”
That criticism is valid. Musk holds far too much sway over public policy without any democratic mandate. By many accounts, he craves power and adoration while treating others abusively.
It’s fair—and moral—to reject someone like that.
But while protests focus on Tesla showrooms and social media mockery of Cybertruck owners, the question remains: Is
Musk the One We Should Be Aiming At?
Yes, Musk is overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and yes, he’s used it to lay off federal workers, bypass ethical standards, and mislead the public.
His leadership seems more about tearing down institutions than improving them. Naturally, people who value honest, stable governance are outraged.
Still, let’s be honest: Musk didn’t get this power on his own.
He was appointed by President Trump, who gave him the green light, bypassed checks and balances, and removed oversight to empower Musk fully. Trump gave him the tools, the platform, and the mandate. No amount of protests will change the fact that Musk operates under Trump’s authority.
If we’re serious about stopping this, the real solution lies with Congress. Lawmakers—especially Republicans—have the constitutional power to halt DOGE immediately.
They could cut off funding, open investigations, hold public hearings, and demand accountability. Congress could defund DOGE tomorrow and bring this chaos to a halt.
But they won’t.
Why? Because many Republican leaders support what’s happening. They’ve embraced the expansion of executive power, even when it erodes the very foundations of American democracy. They could act—but they choose not to.
This silence and inaction expose a deeper truth: The problem isn’t just Elon Musk. It’s a political party that enables him.
Let’s not forget—historically, conservatism has often aligned with centralized, authoritarian power.
The term “right wing” originated during the French Revolution to describe monarchist loyalists. And throughout history, from pre-war Germany to present-day America, right-wing movements have gravitated toward strongman politics and authoritarianism.
Today’s Republican Party continues that trend, cloaking authoritarian impulses in patriotic language. But behind the talk of tradition and constitutionalism lies a dangerous disregard for democratic norms.
It’s not just Musk or Trump acting out of line—it’s a party willing to look the other way, or worse, cheer them on.
Think of it like professional wrestling. You expect the heel to cheat. But if the referee allows it—if the ref is in on it—then the game is rigged.
That’s where we are now. Musk might be the showman, but the Republican Party is the one enabling the destruction of federal institutions, slashing critical programs like Social Security, defunding agencies, and undermining public services.
This is not entertainment. This is real life—and it’s affecting millions.
Yes, protest Musk. Criticize Tesla. Mock the Cybertruck. But don’t stop there. The deeper threat is the party backing it all.
Until Republican lawmakers are held accountable for the power they grant and the damage they ignore, nothing will change. Musk and Trump are symptoms—Republican complicity is the disease.
If we want to protect democracy, preserve institutions, and restore a functioning government that serves the people, we must shift our focus to those who hold the real levers of power—and choose not to use them for good.