Portrait of Bernie Sanders
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Bernie Sanders on Elon Musk

Vocal Oligarchy Critic (strong)

Bernie Sanders views Elon Musk through the lens of his broader critique of economic inequality and the influence of billionaires on American politics and policy.

Sanders frequently points to Musk as an example of an oligarch whose immense wealth and political spending pose a threat to democracy and working families. This critique is central to Sanders's "Fighting Oligarchy Tour" following the 2024 election.

His specific criticisms have targeted Musk's support for Donald Trump and Musk's public advocacy for cuts to entitlement programs, which Sanders sees as a prelude to privatization or dismantling of the social safety net.

Context

Senator Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist, consistently campaigns against economic concentration and the political influence of the ultra-wealthy, often referred to as the "billionaire class" or "oligarchy." Elon Musk is frequently named as a prime example of this economic power structure due to his status as one of the world's richest individuals.

This context is crucial because Sanders's opposition to Musk is not personal but systemic, tying Musk's actions and wealth directly to the failure of the current economic system to prioritize working families.

Timeline

  1. Senator Sanders criticized 'President Elon Musk' after the billionaire voiced opposition to a bipartisan spending deal intended to keep the government running.
  2. Sanders called Musk's remarks about cutting federal "entitlements" like Social Security a "prelude" to privatizing the system, which Sanders views as a deliberate effort to make the system look dysfunctional.
  3. Sanders publicly agreed with Musk's characterization of the Trump-backed domestic spending bill as a "disgusting abomination," while simultaneously criticizing Musk and other oligarchs for seeking tax breaks instead of allowing cuts to social programs.

Actions Taken

  1. Public Commentary
    Criticized Musk's comments suggesting cuts to Social Security and Medicare waste, framing it as an attack on the working class.
  2. Public Commentary
    Challenged Musk's influence by noting his $270 million contribution to elect Donald Trump and calling for the end of Citizens United.
  3. Social Media Endorsement
    Shared Musk's post calling the Trump spending bill a "disgusting abomination," using Musk's stance to argue against the tax breaks for the wealthy within the bill.

Key Quotes

The richest man on Earth, President Elon Musk, doesn't like it. Will Republicans kiss the ring?

Social media post December 1, 2024 — Criticizing Musk for opposing a bipartisan government funding deal.

Billionaires must not be allowed to run our government.

Statement December 1, 2024 — Responding to Musk's objection to a bipartisan spending agreement.

It is totally insane totally unacceptable that in the last presidential election you have the wealthiest guy in the world Mr musk putting $270 million into electing Donald Trump as president...

Interview December 1, 2025 — Denouncing Musk's reported campaign contributions to Donald Trump.

Musk is right: this bill IS a 'disgusting abomination.'

Social media post June 1, 2025 — Agreeing with Musk's condemnation of a specific Republican spending bill.

Related Positions

  • Social Security/Medicare Sanders is strongly opposed to Musk's suggestions that these programs contain excessive waste and are candidates for cuts.
  • Campaign Finance Reform (End Citizens United) Sanders cites Musk's large political spending as a primary reason for needing to eliminate Super PACs and move to public funding of elections.
  • Wealth and Income Inequality Musk is consistently mentioned by Sanders as an example of the extreme wealth concentration (oligarchy) he seeks to combat.
Sources4

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.