Is the US currently being run by an oligarchy [the Trump administration]?

Musk has been quite vocal against subsidies in many areas. He’s openly criticized government handouts and corporate welfare, arguing that companies should succeed based on their own merit, not through taxpayer-funded assistance. In fact, he’s even made comments about how Tesla didn’t need subsidies, and he often points out that his companies, Tesla and SpaceX, were successful despite not relying heavily on government support, even though they received some early on.

This is particularly important because it challenges the very definition of oligarchy. Oligarchies typically thrive exclusively on tight political connections and subsidies that protect and enhance the wealth of the elite. Musk’s position is different in that he actively criticizes and works to reduce dependence on these subsidies. It’s a sign that his focus is on innovation and competition, not on collusion with the government to secure privileged benefits. Musk has actually disrupted entrenched industries, including the automobile and aerospace sectors, rather than protecting monopolies or maintaining the status quo.

Whether it’s moving Tesla's headquarters to Texas to avoid California’s high taxes instead of playing the government grift game for exemptions, or rejecting blanket subsidies, Musk shows that he's not a part of a closed, self-serving elite. Instead, he’s advocating for a more competitive environment where innovation drives success, not political influence.