Elon Musk, often referred to as Trump’s “billionaire sidekick,” has been making waves in politics — but not in a good way. According to political writer Jill Lawrence, Musk’s approach to Congress is all wrong. Instead of building relationships, he’s tearing them down. By attacking any lawmaker who dares to criticize him, Musk is sabotaging any chance of getting things done in Washington.
One of the most dramatic examples of this happened earlier this month when Musk blocked a crucial bipartisan spending deal. He wasn’t happy about some of the provisions, especially one involving a land deal in D.C., brokered by Republican Rep. James Comer. But the real trouble started when Musk removed key national security provisions that would have cost his businesses money, especially involving his ties to China.
Musk’s reaction? He lashed out at Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a Democrat from Connecticut, for pointing out his questionable China investments. Instead of understanding that she might be a future ally, Musk demanded she be removed from Congress, showing no regard for future partnerships.
Musk and Trump both have a tendency to treat politics like a business, where they’re the boss, and everyone else is just an employee. But Congress doesn’t work like that. Relationships matter, compromise is key, and trust between lawmakers is essential. Musk and Trump’s constant clashes are putting their political goals at risk — and they’re burning bridges that could come back to haunt them later.
If they don’t start working with others, they might find themselves stuck with no one to back them up when it matters most.
