Senator Bernie Sanders isn’t too keen on the idea of Democrats trying to win back favor with Elon Musk, especially after Musk’s recent heated exchange with President Trump.
Musk has previously shown support for Democrats, but some within the party seem to think that this might be a good time to try reconnecting with him, given his outspokenness against Trump. However, Sanders expressed doubts about that approach.
“Musk’s opinions have changed quite a bit,” Sanders (I-Vt.) remarked on CNN’s “The State of the Union.” “I mean, from voting for Obama in 2008 to today, he seems to have shifted towards more extreme right-wing views.”
He pointed out, “This is really a conflict among a few wealthy individuals. It’s frustrating for those of us who value democracy.”
The friction between Musk and Trump got intense last week when Musk criticized the former president’s legislative proposals, labeling them as “pork-filled” and rife with “hate.”
Later, Musk alleged that Trump had withheld files related to Jeffrey Epstein’s investigation, claiming that the president often benefited from Musk’s support, and then he deleted the accusation.
While the Democrats observed the tussle between the richest man and the former president, some felt it could play to their favor.
Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), from Silicon Valley, suggested Democrats should reach out to Musk. He suggested that if Biden were to criticize a prominent supporter, Trump would pounce on that opportunity.
Liberal comedian Bill Maher has also implied that Democrats ought to approach Musk again.
Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) seemed to convey a willingness to collaborate with Musk but made it clear he wouldn’t accept any campaign donations from him. “It’s not about right or left, but about what’s right or wrong,” Booker noted on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” He emphasized wanting to engage with Musk constructively rather than just using social media to communicate.
Trump has warned Musk of “consequences” if he supports Democrats in the upcoming 2026 midterms.
For now, Democrats find themselves uncertain on how best to navigate this evolving feud.
Brad Bannon, a Democratic strategist, voiced skepticism about Musk returning to the party. “I doubt there’s much likelihood of that happening,” he stated.
Bannon continued, “Honestly, I can’t see many Democrats sharing Musk’s typical views. His political stance leans towards a rather strict and quasi-authoritarian belief system. I’m not sure how they’d align with him, but hopefully, they can benefit from the ongoing conflict.”
