Elon Musk, Media Power, and the Corrupt Efforts by the Oligarchs to Keep MAGA in Power

Mark Hayes and Brock Ganeles spend this episode arguing that Elon Musk’s massive election spending is not just political giving, but a deeper form of oligarchic manipulation tied to government contracts, social media power, and election influence. Brock argues Musk's spending makes a mockery of Citizens United which allows so few to have such outsized influence over elections.

The corruption is circular as Musk props up MAGA candidates that when in office enact laws that benefit his business. It is a blatant risk to American democracy, but the people have accepted the system and its abuses.

The discussion also widens the lens to media consolidation, the weaponization of government institutions, and how normalized authoritarian behavior has become. The consolidated ownership of both broadcast and social media has contributed to the undue influence of the oligarchs.

Musk’s money, Trump’s political machine, and right-wing media ecosystems reinforce one another.