Unchecked influence over the economy raises serious risks for democracy and our stability as a nation.
President Donald Trump is a frightening figure, everyone knows that. But what’s even more alarming is the unchecked power that Elon Musk now holds. While he may be just another social media mogul on the surface, his influence has expanded dangerously. With access to the United States Treasury, the very heart of the American economy, one misstep could send the entire financial system into chaos.
This move is not only unprecedented but also highly dangerous, made possible through Trump’s legally dubious creation of the Department of Government Efficiency. Despite the clear risks, Republicans on Capitol Hill have done little to stop Trump’s actions, allowing his administration to push forward unchecked. Everything unfolding now seems to align disturbingly with the blueprint laid out in Project 2025, raising serious concerns about the future of democracy, economic stability, and governmental oversight.
The only branch that has had any meaningful impact, though still limited, has been the federal judiciary. Through administrative court reviews, judges have managed to block some of Trump’s executive actions, providing a crucial check on his power. However, with an increasingly conservative-leaning judiciary, the extent to which the courts will continue to serve as a barrier remains uncertain.
People are afraid. Many of the Republicans I’ve spoken with recently feel a deep sense of betrayal. They supported Trump, believing in his promises, but now they’re seeing a different reality unfold. To make matters worse, Trump tried implementing tariffs on two of America’s closest allies, Canada and Mexico, further straining economic relationships.
These everyday Republican citizens now realize they were misled, especially as they watch the cost of essential goods rise. Trump once vowed to lower grocery prices, yet his tariffs would only drive them higher instead if implemented. The disconnect between his promises and his policies is becoming painfully clear, leaving many of his own supporters disillusioned and frustrated.
I honestly don’t know how America will endure the next four years. I can’t help but long for the old Republican Party, the days when the ideas of Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush shaped conservative governance. Their philosophy was straightforward: don’t interfere with the economy, and certainly don’t tamper with the United States Treasury.
Donald Trump’s approach is a stark departure from these principles. His actions don’t align with traditional Republican values, values that, in many cases, even Democrats have shared. Instead of championing fiscal responsibility and economic stability, Trump is steering the country down an unpredictable and dangerous path, leaving both conservatives and moderates questioning what has become of their party.
My previous comparison of the Republican Party to the “American Taliban” now only holds partially true. Some Republicans on Capitol Hill are beginning to understand Democrats better, showing a willingness to break ranks with Trump’s influence. A clear example of this was in late December 2024, when 38 Republicans joined Democrats to pass a spending bill, cleverly dubbed their own version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” This legislation ensured government funding through March 14, 2025, demonstrating a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation.
That said, while some Republicans have started to see the bigger picture, many others remain on the sidelines, hesitant to act. They seem to be waiting for Trump to push the boundaries even further, perhaps to an extreme that even they can no longer ignore. Until then, the divide within the party continues, with some embracing traditional governance while others remain trapped under Trump’s influence.
The second major piece of legislation passed in January 2025, now into Trump’s second term, is the Laken Riley Act. In a notable show of bipartisan support, 46 Democrats joined Republicans to pass the bill, which mandates the detention of more undocumented immigrants who have been charged with crimes.
This legislation marks a significant shift in immigration policy, reinforcing stricter enforcement measures. While its supporters argue that it strengthens public safety, critics warn that it could lead to broader crackdowns and potential civil rights concerns. The bipartisan nature of the vote suggests that, despite deep political divisions, immigration remains a complex and contentious issue that transcends party lines.
Democrats must take the lead in reining in Donald Trump, but they cannot do it alone. There must also be Republicans willing to stand up and push back against his overreach. The key lies in convincing those same 38 Republicans, the ones who previously worked across the aisle to pass the spending bill, that Trump’s decision to give Elon Musk influence over the U.S. Treasury is not just reckless, but dangerously unprecedented.
They must be made to see that the very foundation of the American economy is at risk. If Trump’s unchecked policies continue, the consequences could be catastrophic. This is not a matter of party loyalty, it’s a matter of economic survival. Both Democrats and responsible Republicans must act before irreversible damage is done.
We must make it clear to Congress that oversight of the United States Treasury must remain solely in their hands, not in the hands of Elon Musk or any private individual. This must be established through bipartisan legislation, ensuring that no president, Trump or anyone else, can hand over such critical economic power to an unelected billionaire. And if Trump attempts to veto it, Congress must have the resolve to override that veto and uphold their constitutional authority.
Believe me, this fight is difficult, but it is not impossible. We can rein in Trump. There are still lawmakers on Capitol Hill who may be willing to listen, break ranks, and put country over party. As I’ve said before, this fight is only beginning, and we must be ready to see it through.
