Robert Reich urges limits on Musk’s political and corporate power
Robert Reich argues that Elon Musk’s influence over US foreign policy and politics is too great, pointing to reports that Musk restricted Ukraine’s access to Starlink. He says the episode shows why billionaire wealth, political spending, media ownership and government contracts should be subject to stronger limits.
The article says Musk admitted slowing Starlink after alleging Ukraine had breached its terms of service, while the Wall Street Journal reported the change disrupted Ukrainian drones and caused concern in Kyiv and Washington. Reich also cites Musk’s political donations, including about $445m for the 2026 midterms and at least $168m to Texas political groups, and argues that public policy should reduce both Musk’s and Donald Trump’s power.
In short
- Reich says Musk’s Starlink decision gives a billionaire too much influence over foreign policy.
- The article cites about $445m in Musk political spending for the 2026 midterms.
- Reich calls for limits on billionaire wealth, political influence and government contracts.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Reich’s case is that decisions by a billionaire who controls critical communications infrastructure can have consequences for a country at war, yet may be made without the oversight expected of governments. Large political donations, media influence and dependence on government contracts could further concentrate power, so limits on these channels may protect democratic accountability and national security.
The case against
A strong counterargument is that private ownership and political participation are legitimate, and that broad limits on wealth, donations or media ownership could restrict speech, investment and public debate. Starlink’s owner also has a responsibility to enforce service terms and manage operational risks; if its role creates public dependence, clearer contracts and government-provided alternatives may address that vulnerability more directly than curbing one individual’s political or corporate power.
Americas Business Europe Government Politics World
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by The Guardian as “Defund Elon Musk | Robert Reich”.