Sanders Warns: Trump’s Authoritarian Lean Might Empower Elon Musk

Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont, speaking independently, issued a stern caution about the dangers of a potential second Trump presidency on a Sunday, painting him as a potential authoritarian who might allow billionaire Elon Musk to dominate his administration, and positing that he would be worse than the current Biden-Harris administration in terms of supporting Israel’s actions in Gaza.

During an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Sanders concurred with the idea that the former U.S. President Donald Trump could be accurately labeled a fascist.

“He definitely leans heavily towards authoritarianism and poses a threat to American democracy,” Sanders remarked.

“What really concerns me is the possibility, should Trump win again, whether it would result in Elon Musk essentially running the government, with Trump possibly working under him, or vice versa.”

These comments from Sanders were in response to a question by host Kristen Welker, who inquired if he agreed with Vice President Kamala Harris and former Trump White House Chief of Staff John Kelly’s characterization of Trump as a fascist.

Initially, Sanders expressed reluctance to use such direct terminology, but upon further pressing, he admitted, “You might indeed describe him as a fascist.”

Sanders highlighted Trump’s role in the January 6, 2021, insurrection aimed at disrupting the peaceful transition of power. He noted that the lack of support from his former Vice President Mike Pence and former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney for Trump’s 2024 campaign stemmed from their recognition of Trump’s authoritarian nature, disregard for the rule of law, and overall unfitness for the presidential office.

Welker then played a video clip featuring Layla Elabed, co-founder of the Uncommitted National Movement, criticizing Harris for not pursuing a more humanitarian approach regarding Israel’s attacks on Gaza, which reportedly resulted in nearly 43,000 deaths and over 100,000 injuries. Elabed mentioned that Harris’ stance risks alienating young voters, Arab Americans, and Muslim Americans in key states like Michigan.

Sanders recognized the severe destruction in Gaza and voiced his disagreement with the Biden administration’s support strategy.

“I have consistently held that the U.S. should not provide financial aid or offensive weapons to Netanyahu’s extremist, right-wing government,” Sanders stated.

However, he quickly added, “Trump is even worse on this issue.”

“I can assure you, we are making every effort to at least deliver humanitarian aid to feed the starving children in Gaza,” he mentioned.

While Harris and President Joe Biden are in favor of sending aid, Sanders pointed out, “We can’t even get the Republicans to support feeding these desperately needy children.”

A recent report by The Wall Street Journal revealed that Elon Musk, a supporter of Trump and the wealthiest man globally, is frequently in communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite having access to classified U.S. information through his federal contracts. Sanders called Musk’s interactions with Putin “inappropriate” and expressed deeper concerns about Musk’s potential influence in a Trump-led government.

“What really concerns me is, should Trump return to power, whether it would result in Elon Musk running the government, and Trump essentially working for him, or the other way around,” Sanders reiterated.

“The fact that Musk, who holds significant federal contracts, is heavily financing Trump’s campaign, represents a profound conflict of interest,” Sanders continued.

Sanders’ warnings about Musk’s potential influence coincided with the day Musk was scheduled to speak at a Trump rally in New York City’s Madison Square Garden. Musk has been criticized recently for offering $1 million a day to a selected voter in a swing state who signs a petition supported by his super PAC, an act one legal expert deemed “clearly illegal vote buying.”