Elon Musk’s Government Role Sparks Constitutional Crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Elon Musk‘s unprecedented influence over federal agencies has ignited a constitutional crisis, with lawmakers and legal experts warning of a breakdown in governance. Musk, designated as a special government employee (SGE), is accused of wielding unchecked power over key departments, including the Treasury and USAID, without proper oversight or transparency.

Representative Jamie Raskin, a constitutional law expert, has been vocal in condemning Musk’s actions. During a recent exchange, Raskin challenged Musk to comply with financial disclosure and conflict-of-interest rules, which Musk has so far ignored. “Elon Musk, you may have illegally seized power over the financial payment systems of the United States Department of Treasury, but you don’t control the money of the American people,” Raskin said.

Musk’s role as an SGE, typically reserved for part-time consultants, has raised eyebrows given his extensive involvement in shaping federal policy. Andy Craig, an election law expert, explained, “This is the kind of thing where you have to be a constitutional officer within the meaning of the Constitution’s appointments clause. Musk is far beyond the scope of what an SGE is supposed to be.”

Musk’s companies, particularly SpaceX, have lucrative federal contracts, further complicating the ethical landscape. Raskin has called for Musk to disclose potential conflicts of interest, but the billionaire has yet to comply. “If he’s going to be coming in and advising some things, he has to disclose what his conflicts are and avoid anything to do with them,” Craig said.

The situation has drawn comparisons to a constitutional crisis, with Musk and his allies accused of operating outside the bounds of law. “This is not politics as usual. We are in a state of constitutional crisis,” Craig emphasized. Despite the challenges, there is hope that legal challenges and public outcry could curb Musk’s influence. Recent court rulings have already blocked some of the administration’s more extreme measures, offering a glimmer of optimism for those fighting to uphold constitutional norms.

As the controversy unfolds, Raskin and other lawmakers continue to push for accountability. “It matters to say that these things are illegal, these things are unconstitutional,” Craig said. “That is how you rally opposition.”