Texas Midterm Results: Musk Faces Scrutiny Over Spending and Contracts
Democratic lawmakers plan to probe government contracts awarded to Elon Musk’s companies after his $225 million Texas campaign failed to hold statewide offices.
By John Price ·
Democratic control of Congress places Elon Musk at the center of upcoming legislative inquiries.
Musk spent more than $200 million in Texas according to federal filings, yet both the U.S. Senate and governorship changed hands. He gave over $445 million to Republican candidates and groups nationwide. OpenSecrets data confirms he is the top donor in this election cycle. These figures place him among the largest political donors in U.S. history.
The billionaire controls Tesla and SpaceX. He also led the Department of Government Efficiency for the first four months of President Trump’s second term. During that period, his companies secured at least $6.3 billion in government contracts. The Democracy Defenders Fund reports he gained at least another $10 billion in contracts after leaving that role. Rep. James Walkinshaw of Virginia called for Musk to answer questions under oath. He noted that Musk fired public servants and claimed savings that were later questioned.
Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware indicated he will subpoena Musk regarding his links to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Rep. Mike Levin of California pointed to Musk’s restriction of Starlink satellite internet service for Ukraine. This occurred days after Trump eased Russian sanctions and began purchasing Russian diesel. Levin asked how Musk could disrupt an ally’s military operations without accountability to the U.S. government. Musk did not respond to a request for comment from NPR.
Richard Painter, a former White House ethics lawyer, noted that Musk served as a part-time special government employee. Federal law prohibited personnel from participating in matters affecting their personal financial interests. Painter stated that touching any matter impacting SpaceX during his tenure could have constituted a crime. SpaceX receives substantial funding from NASA and the Department of Defense.
Texas serves as the headquarters for Tesla, X, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. Musk directed at least $225 million of his midterm spending to the state. This included support for Ken Paxton and Gov. Greg Abbott. Both candidates lost their bids for office. Democrats captured every statewide position in the state. James Talarico defeated Paxton in the Senate race. At a rally in Lubbock, Talarico said Musk was trying to buy Texas. He stated that Musk wanted the land, water, and tax dollars of the state.
Musk posted on X that his election-interfering space lasers did not work this time. Talarico addressed Musk in his victory speech on Tuesday. He said the state sent a message to billionaire mega-donors. Talarico argued that the real fight is between the top and the bottom of society. SpaceX shares fell nearly 4% and Tesla dropped 3% on Wednesday despite rising markets.
Source: WUWM
