Democrat Fires Back At Elon Musk
Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) recently downplayed the threat posed by tech billionaire Elon Musk, who has announced plans to fund moderate candidates challenging incumbent Democrats in heavily blue districts. Clyburn, a seasoned politician with decades of experience, argued that Democrats would overcome this challenge by relying on their hard work and deep ties to their constituents.
During a CNN appearance, Clyburn dismissed any concerns about Musk’s involvement, suggesting that Democrats have always faced tough opposition and have prevailed through sheer determination. “We did it before, with very little money on our side,” Clyburn remarked, recalling his work in the civil rights movement. “When I worked with John Lewis in the 60s, we didn’t have the resources we needed, but we stood strong because we connected with the people.”
Clyburn’s comments come just days after Musk, a prominent backer of President Trump, announced on social media that he would be funding moderate challengers in Democrat-heavy districts. Musk, who has been a vocal critic of the left, has made it clear he wants to oust progressives who he believes no longer represent the best interests of their constituents. On X (formerly Twitter), Musk said, “I’m going to be funding moderate candidates in heavily Democrat districts, so we can get rid of those who don’t represent the people.”
Musk’s declaration is just one part of his broader influence on the political landscape. Along with former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, Musk has been selected by Trump to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a group aimed at cutting government spending. Musk has also used his social media platform to impact legislative negotiations, particularly in opposition to a stopgap spending bill pushed by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
Musk’s financial influence is undeniable. In the 2024 election cycle, he has already committed over $250 million to supporting Trump’s re-election bid and various GOP candidates. His dark-money group, Building America’s Future, has spent millions backing conservative causes and candidates.
For Republicans, Musk’s bold intervention is seen as an important step in reshaping the political landscape by challenging entrenched Democratic power in places where they’ve long dominated. As Musk continues to leverage his wealth and influence, the battle for the heart of the Democratic Party is heating up, and the GOP is poised to benefit from the disruption.