Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders targeted Elon Musk over his growing financial support for Republican candidates ahead of the congressional elections. Sanders accused Musk of using his wealth to influence American politics and preserve Republican control of Congress. He also linked Musk’s political spending to the billionaire’s rising fortune.
In the statement, Sanders said Musk spent $290 million helping elect President Donald Trump. He claimed Musk became $696 billion richer following Trump’s election. Sanders also described Musk as the world’s first trillionaire.
The senator then turned to Musk’s spending in the congressional races. “Now, Musk is spending $366 million to keep Republicans in control of Congress,” Sanders said. Recent campaign-finance reporting also places Musk’s spending at roughly $366 million this election cycle.
Sanders closed with a direct call against Musk’s political influence. “STOP MUSK. STOP OLIGARCHY,” he said.
Bernie Sanders Faces Backlash Over Elon Musk’s GOP Spending
Sanders’ attack on Musk drew pushback from users who questioned his wealth, consistency and focus on Republican donors.
One user turned the criticism back on Sanders, asking, “Which of your houses are you writing this from?” Another questioned why Musk received particular attention: “Why you only focus on Musk?”
Others defended Musk’s use of his wealth. One response stated, “It’s his money he can spend how he chooses.” A separate user wrote, “Nah Bernie! Elon is a maker, not a taker.”
Some responses accused Sanders of applying his criticism selectively. One user asked, “But not all oligarchs, right Bernie?” Another wrote, “But nothing about the nut jobs praising the Soros family for contributing over $ 1 Billion to Democrats?”
Sanders’ own finances also became part of the discussion. One response stated, “I remember when Bernie hated Millionaires. Then he became one.”
Musk’s political spending remains part of the broader dispute over billionaire influence in elections. Sanders continues to describe that influence as oligarchy.
