Elon Musk's Role in Trump Administration Sparks Protests and Ethical Concerns

Musk's involvement with the U.S. government and his alignment with President Trump raise questions about conflicts of interest and the impact of sweeping federal cost-cutting measures.

Elon Musk, a major donor to Donald Trump's 2024 campaign, has taken a prominent role in the administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, which aims to dramatically reduce federal spending.
DOGE's aggressive cost-cutting measures have led to nationwide protests, including vandalism at Tesla facilities, as critics argue the cuts lack transparency and could harm essential government functions.
Musk's close ties to Trump have sparked ethical concerns, with critics pointing to potential conflicts of interest involving his companies—Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink—and their federal contracts and regulatory oversight.
Tesla's stock has faced significant declines, attributed to brand damage from Musk's political alignment, though conservative leaders and MAGA supporters are rallying to boost Tesla sales and image.
Democratic lawmakers are calling for investigations into potential ethics violations related to Musk's dual roles as a federal advisor and a business leader, citing concerns over government favoritism and transparency.

The Times

San Francisco Chronicle