The debate surrounding Elon Musk, owner of the platform X (formerly Twitter), has intensified amid the recent Congressional funding battle.
The controversy highlights the evolving role of new media and its influence on public opinion and policymaking.
As Musk shared his thoughts on the matter, legacy media and political figures quickly weighed in, with reactions ranging from criticism to confusion.
That is exactly the goal.
The political & legacy media puppets all got their new instructions yesterday and are now parroting the same message to drive a wedge between @realDonaldTrump and me.
They will fail. https://t.co/4O8JmEu1jx
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 20, 2024
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During the funding battle, many Americans voiced frustration over another continuing resolution (CR) being pushed through Congress at the eleventh hour.
Critics argued the measure lacked transparency, with little time for lawmakers or the public to review its contents.
Public outcry, amplified by platforms like X, led to widespread calls to Congress, ultimately resulting in a more streamlined bill.
Musk, among others, reflected these sentiments on social media, a move that resonated with many Americans.
However, some Democrats and media outlets used Musk’s comments as a focal point for criticism.
Democrats attempted to frame Musk as a “shadow president,” suggesting his influence overshadowed that of elected officials.
Legacy media outlets, including CNN, echoed this narrative, amplifying claims about Musk’s role in shaping public discourse.
Brian Stelter, a former CNN host, took the narrative further during a recent discussion. Stelter suggested that independent media platforms, often critical of legacy outlets, aspire to emulate entities like The New York Times or CNN.
“There have been all these questions about him [Musk], is he the ‘shadow president?’” Stelter remarked, claiming independent media lacks the research and accuracy of traditional outlets.
Critics of Stelter’s comments argue that independent media has no desire to mirror legacy outlets, many of which have faced declining trust and viewership.
Platforms outside the mainstream often outperform networks like CNN in terms of engagement and reach, a fact some attribute to their ability to connect directly with audiences.
Musk responded to the “shadow president” narrative, dismissing the notion as an attack strategy from Democrats and their media allies.
For awareness — note the language here. It’s a very intentional strategy
The goal is to weaken Trump and Elon by fomenting tensions between them
By jabbing Trump about not being the alpha, the idea is to provoke him to sideline Elon and to fray the relationship
(short thread) https://t.co/8L2srQPHke
— Lulu Cheng Meservey (@lulumeservey) December 19, 2024
He emphasized that his views align with those of many Americans seeking accountability and transparency in government spending. “No, there haven’t been ‘questions,’” Musk stated, referring to the narrative as a political tactic rather than genuine inquiry.
Brian Stelter defended the network’s reporting, claiming the media was merely “trying to understand the relationship” between Musk and former President Donald Trump.
Dana Bash pointed to Musk’s public commentary, alongside Trump’s, as justification for the coverage.
NEW: Brian Stelter fumes about how X users are reporting on political issues, complains about how they are branding themselves as “the new CNN.”
They are so butthurt.
Stelter said X accounts can’t be trusted because they have “no institutional knowledge.”
“[Musk] is oftentimes… pic.twitter.com/88BOEIktKx
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 20, 2024
Musk’s role in the public eye, however, remains clear. As a private citizen, he uses his platform to highlight issues he believes warrant attention, from government waste to inefficient spending practices.
While Musk has no official authority to enact change, his ability to influence the conversation has made him a prominent figure in discussions about reform.
Critics of the mainstream narrative argue that Musk’s popularity stems from his willingness to challenge established norms without seeking political power.
Unlike some politicians, Musk has focused on promoting transparency and efficiency, often at significant personal and financial risk.
This approach, they argue, sets him apart from figures motivated by political ambition.
As the influence of independent media continues to grow, traditional outlets face increasing pressure to rebuild trust with audiences.
The public, meanwhile, retains the ultimate power to decide whose voices they follow, a reality that has disrupted the traditional media landscape.
For Musk and his supporters, the recent funding debate underscores the importance of public engagement in representative government.
While legacy media and political figures may question his motives,
Musk’s actions reflect a broader shift toward greater accountability and citizen involvement in policymaking.
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