Democratic California Rep. Maxine Waters delivered an impassioned speech in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, voicing strong disapproval of both former President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk. Speaking at a rally organized by Democratic lawmakers to protest Musk’s influence and access to information at the Treasury Department, Waters accused him of overstepping his authority and taking advantage of government resources.

“We have told you that you’ve made enough money off our government yourself, and now you want to take everybody else’s payroll and make sure that they don’t make the kind of money that you’ve made. Oh, you want to use our money to go to Mars,” Waters declared in her speech.

Accusations of Power Grab and Economic Domination

Waters extended her criticism beyond Musk, targeting Trump and other billionaires, whom she accused of attempting to consolidate power over the nation’s political and economic landscape.

“We’re in a crisis in this country because Trump and Elon Musk and the billionaires have decided they’re going to put us all in our place. They’re going to run this country. They’re going to make sure that they take over everything,” Waters said to an energized crowd.

She then rallied her audience to resist what she described as a growing power grab. “Are we going to let them do that? Are we going to let them run this government in the way that they can make even more money and so they won’t stop? It is so brazen. Every day they’re taking new actions. They’re taking executive actions. Every day they’re doing something,” she exclaimed.

Direct Attack on Musk’s Influence

Waters did not hold back in her verbal attack on Musk, directly challenging his role in the financial and technological sectors.

“We have got to tell Elon Musk that nobody elected your ass. Nobody told you you could get all of our private information. Nobody told you you could be in charge of the payments of this country,” she shouted.

Her remarks seemed to be a reference to Musk’s ventures, including X (formerly Twitter) and its push into financial services, as well as his leadership at companies like SpaceX and Tesla, which receive government contracts and subsidies. Waters implied that Musk was using public resources for personal gain while exerting increasing control over financial and technological infrastructure.

Context and Criticism

While Waters criticized Musk’s influence, it is worth noting that he has not been elected to any political office—though many top government officials, including advisors and Cabinet members, are also appointed rather than elected. However, former President Trump, whom she linked with Musk in her critique, was democratically elected in 2016 and remains a dominant force in American politics as he seeks the presidency again in 2024.

Waters also took issue with Musk’s wealth and business practices, accusing him of leveraging government resources to expand his empire at the expense of ordinary Americans.

“He’s taking advantage of hard-working Americans while using our tax dollars to fund his businesses. He’s building rockets, launching SpaceX missions, and buying up companies, all while pretending he’s doing it for the people,” she argued.

Broader Political Implications

Waters’ fiery rhetoric reflects growing tensions between progressive lawmakers and billionaire entrepreneurs like Musk, who have increasingly entered the political arena. Musk has been vocal about his political views, often clashing with Democratic officials over issues like government regulation, free speech, and economic policy.

Trump, for his part, remains a focal point of Democratic criticism, with Waters frequently positioning herself as one of his most vocal opponents. Her latest speech underscores ongoing concerns among Democratic lawmakers about the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of influential figures like Musk and Trump.

Public and Political Reactions

Waters’ remarks quickly gained attention, with supporters applauding her stance against billionaire influence, while critics accused her of engaging in hyperbolic political theater. Some conservatives dismissed her speech as an attempt to rally support within her party by attacking high-profile figures known for challenging Democratic policies.

Meanwhile, Musk has continued to assert his independence in business and politics, often using his platform to push back against government intervention and advocate for what he calls “common sense” reforms.

What’s Next?

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, expect more political battles over issues of wealth, power, and influence. Waters’ remarks reflect broader Democratic concerns about billionaires shaping policy without accountability, while Republicans and Musk’s supporters argue that private enterprise should not be villainized for success.

The debate over Musk’s influence and Trump’s political future is far from over, and as tensions rise, both sides will likely continue to clash in the months ahead.

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