Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has publicly denounced Elon Musk, describing the tech mogul as a ‘right-wing extremist’ amid the escalating tensions between Musk and former President Donald Trump. This statement aligns with Sanders’ liberal political stance, emphasizing his opposition to corporate influence in politics. The senator’s remarks emerged during an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, where he addressed the fallout from Musk’s recent public clashes with Trump.
Sanders ruled out the possibility of Democratic collaboration with Musk, arguing that the tech CEO’s actions and rhetoric have devolved into extremism. He cited Musk’s past support for President Barack Obama but highlighted how the CEO has increasingly aligned with right-wing ideologies over the years. The senator argued that the tension between Trump and Musk is emblematic of a larger problem: the increasing concentration of power among a select group of individuals and corporations, undermining democratic governance.
During the interview, Sanders provided a detailed account of the recent dispute, suggesting that Musk claimed Trump’s 2024 presidential success was due to the $270 million in campaign donations. Sanders also noted that Trump criticized Musk for his involvement in the White House, including his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where Musk faced backlash for his spending cuts. The senator criticized Trump’s actions and suggested that Musk’s public criticisms of the former president represent a broader issue of corporate influence in politics.
Sanders further condemned the escalating conflict as an ’embarrassment’ to democratic principles, arguing that it illustrates a troubling trend of oligarchic control in America. His comments underscore a liberal political stance on corporate accountability and the need to safeguard democratic institutions. The senator’s criticism of Musk reflects a broader sentiment among progressive Democrats who view the tech CEO’s actions as a threat to democratic values and political integrity.