Elon Musk led an aggressive online campaign against a bipartisan spending bill aimed at averting a government shutdown. Posting over 100 times on X, Musk called the bill “criminal” and urged his followers to contact their representatives. The revolt succeeded temporarily, disrupting negotiations and increasing the likelihood of a shutdown set to begin this weekend.
Despite inaccuracies in Musk’s claims, his influence was evident as prominent Republicans, including Donald Trump, joined his opposition. Critics, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, warned of the dangerous precedent set by billionaire intervention in government decisions.
The bill would have funded the government through mid-March. With no resolution in sight, the shutdown looms as political divisions deepen over fiscal policy.
Musk’s growing political power continues to shape national discourse.
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