As Americans, we can’t let unelected sidekicks like Musk run our country | Opinion

The Wall Street Journal’s explosive report detailing President Joe Biden’s rapid mental decline and the extensive, deliberate cover-up by aides should be a wake-up call to the fragile balance upon which our Republic rests and underscores the vital role transparency plays in preserving its integrity and health.

For years, the White House dismissed obvious issues with Biden and spun tall tales of a vigorous President working behind the scenes. If the reports are true, it seems that for much of his administration, Biden either abdicated his authorities or they were assumed by unelected bureaucrats.

For too long, unelected bureaucrats have wielded too much power in Washington — operating outside the limits of checks and balances and unaccountable to voters. This is fundamentally un-American and undermines the very foundations of our nation. We elect our leaders, and they derive their authority from the consent of the people. Regardless of your party affiliation, this is a fundamental principle that makes America the beacon of hope for freedom loving people across the world.

That’s also what makes Elon Musk and his relationship with President-Elect Donald Trump so concerning.

It’s not that Musk was wrong when he used his platform to expose the “Christmas tree” funding bill masquerading as essential legislation to keep government open. Truthfully, this short-term funding bill never should have seen the light of day. Voters made it clear in November that they were tired of business as usual in Washington and any attempts to load up a spending bill with pet projects should have been a non-starter for the Speaker.

No, the problem we are facing is that we have someone that appears to be making decisions and pushing an agenda that has no accountability to the voters.

Musk is an unelected official and no amount of spin will wipe away the fact that it was Musk that drove the policy debate and shutdown possibility. Trump only weighed in hours later. Americans will never believe this was all part of some genius plan concocted by Trump to expose excessive spending by Democrats.

Its unfortunate, because things were going well for Republicans.

Trump hit the ground running — essentially assuming office the moment he was elected. Sure, there have been some misses with his appointments, but the Senate seems to take its “advise and consent’ role seriously. Luckily, Americans were spared the certain disaster that would have been if former Rep. Matt Gaetz been sworn in as Attorney General.

There was a renewed sense of hope in America. Maybe it was because the election was decisively won. Maybe it’s because after the stock market soared in the days following Trump’s victory and Americans saw more money in their retirement accounts. Maybe it’s because there is a new vigor in Washington that sharply contrasted with that of Joe Biden’s low energy.

While it might not be at the level of “morning in America” optimism, echoes of history repeating itself were unmistakable. That’s one reason the shutdown showdown felt like an unforced error — unnecessary chaos that derailed the progress and questioned Republicans ability to govern.

While the funding crisis has been delayed and the threat of a shutdown will soon fade from our memories, the ramifications will be lasting. The showdown illustrated that Musk has the ability — and desire — to alter policy.

Just because we may agree with the outcome, we must say no to unelected bureaucrats making decisions and driving policy. The ends do not justify the means. This is our government, and accountability starts with each of us actively participating. It’s not just a right — it’s our shared responsibility to make sure our government truly serves the people.

This holiday season, let’s commit to embracing transparency, speaking out, and reclaiming the strength of our collective voice. The time for absentee citizenship is over. Together, we can shape a government that reflects the will and values of the people.