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Elon Musk's assault on government

7 snips
Feb 6, 2025
Waleed Shahid, a Democratic strategist and former advisor to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, delves into Elon Musk's unprecedented influence over the U.S. government. They discuss Musk's access to the federal payment system, raising alarms about conflicts of interest. Shahid critiques the impact of this power grab on government operations, especially regarding USAID and public service. The conversation explores the dangers of aligning governance with private interests and compares Musk's tactics to historical examples of state capture.
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INSIGHT

Unprecedented Access, Potential Conflicts

  • Elon Musk's access to the federal payment system is unprecedented and concerning.
  • This access grants him data on every citizen receiving federal checks, raising privacy and potential conflict-of-interest issues.
ANECDOTE

Chaotic Takeover, Inexperienced Staff

  • Federal employees describe Musk's takeover as chaotic and inefficient, likening it to a "smash and grab."
  • Musk has appointed young, inexperienced loyalists, raising concerns about their competence in handling sensitive government systems.
INSIGHT

Hidden Agenda: Tax Cuts for Billionaires

  • Musk and Trump's claims of government efficiency are a guise for their true goal: cutting taxes for billionaires.
  • This will likely necessitate cuts to essential programs for vulnerable populations, masking oligarchic intentions.
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