The ongoing public feud between US Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk took another sharp turn this week, as the Democratic representative launched a scathing attack on the Tesla and SpaceX CEO.
During an Instagram Live session, Ocasio-Cortez described Musk as “probably one of the most unintelligent billionaires I have ever met or seen or witnessed.” Her comments, which were directed at Musk’s influence on government policy and spending, have reignited political tensions over the role of billionaires in shaping public institutions.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Criticism of Musk’s Influence in Government Spending
Ocasio-Cortez’s criticism centered around Musk’s involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative that has been scrutinizing federal spending.
The department, which has received backing from the Trump administration, has taken controversial steps, including gaining access to the federal payment system to audit government expenditures.
Many Democrats, including Ocasio-Cortez, have strongly opposed this move, arguing that it allows unelected individuals, particularly young and inexperienced staffers, to exert significant influence over national financial decisions.
Ocasio-Cortez expressed concerns about the apparent lack of expertise among those working under Musk’s leadership within DOGE. “They don’t do their homework, clearly,” she remarked, taking particular issue with the appointment of 19-year-olds to positions in the Treasury Department.
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Her comments suggested that Musk’s approach to government reform prioritizes disruption over expertise, potentially undermining the stability of established institutions.
Massive increase in spending after the Department of Education was created with no actual improvement in education! https://t.co/J72BUVqGsl
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 5, 2025
Beyond the operational concerns, Ocasio-Cortez questioned Musk’s understanding of government systems and policy-making, calling him “morally vacant” and “least knowledgeable about these systems.”
She contended that his initiatives are not driven by a desire to improve governance but rather by a personal agenda that aligns with libertarian ideals and minimal government intervention.
Musk and Trump’s Increasing Collaboration on Government Reforms
The recent friction between Ocasio-Cortez and Musk is part of a broader political struggle over the future of federal agencies. Musk has increasingly positioned himself as an influential figure in the Trump administration’s efforts to overhaul government institutions.
His criticism of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which he labeled a “criminal organization,” has drawn particular attention.
The statement aligns with Trump’s long-standing skepticism of foreign aid programs, and some observers believe that USAID may face significant restructuring or budget cuts if Musk and Trump continue their push against it.
Furthermore, Musk’s recent comments on public education funding have sparked speculation about his next target. Responding to an X post highlighting the dramatic increase in the cost of K-12 education since the creation of the Department of Education in 1980, Musk questioned the necessity of the department.
His remarks have fueled concerns that the Department of Education could become the next focus of Musk’s reform efforts. This possibility has alarmed Democrats, who fear that eliminating or drastically reducing the role of the Department of Education could undermine public schooling and widen educational disparities.
Ocasio-Cortez has framed Musk’s interventions as an overreach of power, accusing Trump of “handing a lot of [his power] over to Elon Musk.” Her statement underscores the growing perception that Musk is wielding significant influence in policymaking, despite not holding an elected position.
This dynamic has fueled debates about the role of billionaires in government and whether figures like Musk should have such a substantial say in shaping national policies.
A History of Clashes Between Ocasio-Cortez and Musk
This latest dispute is not the first time Ocasio-Cortez and Musk have publicly clashed. Their rivalry dates back to 2023 when Musk mockingly dismissed speculation about her opinions on him, joking that she was “not that smart” and implying that she harbored an unspoken attraction to him.
The exchange set the stage for a series of ongoing conflicts between the two, particularly on issues related to government oversight and corporate influence.
Ocasio-Cortez, a vocal advocate for stronger regulations on corporations and the ultra-wealthy, has consistently criticized Musk’s business practices and political involvement. At one point, she even owned a Tesla but later distanced herself from the brand, citing her growing opposition to Musk’s influence.
Musk, on the other hand, has positioned himself as a champion of free-market ideals and minimal government intervention. His growing partnership with Trump has solidified his status as a key figure in conservative political circles, making him a frequent target of progressive lawmakers like Ocasio-Cortez.
As the 2024 election cycle intensifies, the conflict between Ocasio-Cortez and Musk is likely to escalate further. With Trump and Musk pushing for aggressive government reforms, and progressive Democrats resisting their efforts, the battle over the role of billionaires in politics is set to remain a defining issue in American political discourse.
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