Tech billionaire Elon Musk’s regulatory challenges are shifting as federal scrutiny of his companies diminishes under the Trump administration. Since Trump took office again, the Department of Agriculture has ceased investigating Musk’s Neuralink after the dismissal of its lead investigator. Other agencies, like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, have seen significant staff cuts, affecting their ability to enforce regulations against Musk’s companies, including Tesla and SpaceX.
In recent months, several regulatory cases against Musk’s businesses have been dropped, including a case by the Justice Department against SpaceX and the cancellation of a civil rights review of Tesla. Ongoing investigations into safety issues at Tesla and labor practices at SpaceX have stalled, with reports indicating that over 40 regulatory matters might be dormant. Legal experts suggest this may reflect a deliberate slowing down by federal agencies, influenced by Musk’s significant connections to the Trump administration.
Musk, who has invested heavily in Trump’s political efforts and serves as an advisor on government efficiency, benefits from relaxed regulations, which also helps stave off potential fines exceeding $2 billion. The Transportation Department has also eased reporting requirements for self-driving cars like Tesla’s, while the Federal Aviation Administration expanded SpaceX’s launch permissions.
Critics express concern over potential conflicts of interest, noting that Musk maintains dual roles as a business leader and a government advisor. The current regulatory atmosphere, some argue, undermines public accountability, raising questions about the integrity of governmental oversight of Musk’s vast business interests. Meanwhile, Trump’s administration has similarly loosened oversight on other companies, suggesting a broader trend of reduced enforcement across various industries.
Concerns remain regarding the long-term implications of these changes, especially as many investigations may quietly fade without resolution.
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