Elon Musk Has ‘Done Enough’ Damage to Last a Lifetime

WASHINGTON, D.C. — At an event in Qatar today, Elon Musk said he plans to significantly cut back on political spending in future elections.

Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen, issued the following statement in response:

“When Elon Musk admitted ‘I think I’ve done enough’ he was telling the truth— he has done more than enough damage in his brief but devastating foray into politics to last a lifetime.

“Elon Musk’s $300 million political spending spree in 2024 set off a chain of events that has done incalculable damage to vital government services, violated Americans’ privacy, and trashed the value of his own companies.

“Predictably, the plunging value of his companies’ stock appears to be the only reason he might actually change his behavior.

“The American public’s disgusted reaction to Musk’s wholesale purchase of political power is a reminder of why many billionaires prefer to hide their political spending inside secretive SuperPACs or other legal shells.

“Our deregulated campaign finance system permits and enables this, and — until that changes — it will enable Musk to continue dumping money into elections whenever he chooses.”