Musk Dislikes Government Expenditure, Yet Tesla and SpaceX Have Received Almost $40 Billion in Taxpayer Money | Carscoops

      Recent reports indicate that Musk's DOGE has made significant cuts at various federal agencies.

      According to The Washington Post, SpaceX and Tesla have benefited from billions in federal funding over the years, highlighting the apparent conflicts of interest tied to Elon Musk's current role in the government.

      Over the past two decades, companies led by Musk have received at least $38 billion in government support. This key point is underscored in a new feature from The Washington Post, which emphasizes how crucial government funding at pivotal moments has contributed to the success of Tesla and SpaceX.

      The article clearly shows that both the companies and Musk himself likely owe their current positions to this financial backing, a reality that shouldn't come as a surprise.

      Moreover, it addresses the Trump administration's denial of a $400 million deal with Tesla, which has been contradicted by new documents.

      The article details the substantial benefits Musk's companies have garnered over time, suggesting that without government loans, subsidies, contracts, or tax credits, either company might have faced failure. Musk is said to have utilized various agencies, including the EPA and NASA, to secure ongoing funding. Notably, nearly two-thirds of the $38 billion awarded to Tesla and SpaceX occurred within the last five years, primarily during the Biden administration.

      It is also important to mention that Musk's use of government programs is entirely legal and above board. The discontent seems to stem from the fact that Musk critiques government overspending and appears to be cutting jobs in federal agencies while simultaneously receiving funds. Critics fail to recognize that these two scenarios are not mutually exclusive.

      In reality, the US government allocates funds to various automotive companies each year, regardless of political affiliation. For instance, in 2024, Ford received a $9.6 billion loan to develop EV battery plants, and Michigan's government provided $7 billion to GM in 2022; the financial support during the 2008 crisis also remains unmentioned.

      Interestingly, the article highlights Tesla's profits from selling regulatory credits, a practice enabled by meeting or surpassing specific standards. Musk can only sell these credits because other manufacturers do not meet those same requirements.

      This scenario might reflect Musk’s commitment to his work—prioritizing it over personal gain—as he has "sought to cut staff, reduce budgets, or cancel contracts at all seven agencies where his companies have ongoing contracts," according to WaPo.

      Ultimately, concerns about conflicts of interest and hypocrisy are evident. Musk reportedly determines where these conflicts arise and recuses himself from related dealings within Doge.

      However, conflicts of interest and hypocrisy have been characteristic of nearly every government throughout history. Regardless of Musk's intentions or future actions, this situation illustrates how quickly circumstances can change, particularly in the political arena.