Elon Musk Sparks Controversy at Conservative Gathering, Waving Chainsaw and Accusing Democrats of ‘Treason’
OXON HILL, Md. – Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk made a dramatic appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Thursday, stirring the crowd with bold statements and a symbolic gesture. Wearing his signature “Make America Great Again” hat and sunglasses, Musk took the stage, holding a chainsaw aloft, a gift from Argentine President Javier Milei.
The chainsaw, engraved with the slogan “Viva la libertad, carajo” (Spanish for “Long live liberty, damn it”), was presented by Milei as a symbol of cutting bureaucracy. Musk, who has become a significant influence within conservative circles and an informal adviser to former President Donald Trump, made headlines with his remarks about government spending and his willingness to consider auditing the Federal Reserve.
“This is the chainsaw for bureaucracy,” Musk declared, holding the tool high as the crowd erupted in cheers.
Musk, known for his outspoken views, did not hold back in his criticism of the Biden administration, particularly on immigration policy. He accused President Joe Biden and Democrats of orchestrating what he described as a “real scam at scale” by allowing nearly 1 million people into the U.S. on temporary two-year work permits. Musk alleged that the move was a strategic “investment” designed to secure more political support in swing states.
A Newsmax host, Rob Schmitt, probed Musk on his accusations, asking if he would consider calling the immigration policy “treason.” Musk responded bluntly: “Treason.”
The billionaire also weighed in on broader issues of government efficiency, underscoring his desire to cut wasteful spending and reduce the federal workforce. Musk is a vocal proponent of reducing bureaucracy and inefficiency in government, advocating for a leaner, more effective system.
When Schmitt raised the possibility of auditing the Federal Reserve, Musk responded affirmatively, saying, “Yeah, sure, while we’re at it.”
Musk also touched on his interactions with international leaders, sharing a lighthearted anecdote about Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. Musk relayed that Bukele had expressed concerns about his security, offering to help bolster Musk’s safety measures. “President Bukele from El Salvador, who managed to put in prison like a hundred thousand murderous thugs, called me. ‘I am worried about your security,’” Musk recalled, chuckling at the irony. “I’m like, ‘Dude, you are worried about my security?’”
Later in the evening, Steve Bannon, a former Trump strategist and CPAC regular, took the stage but struggled to match the enthusiasm of Musk’s appearance. “How did I draw the card to follow Elon Musk?” Bannon joked, acknowledging that the billionaire’s presence had overshadowed his own speech. “You bring out the world’s wealthiest guy, Superman. I’m just a crazy Irishman!”
Musk’s appearance at CPAC is the latest chapter in his growing influence within conservative circles. While his business ventures, including Tesla and SpaceX, have solidified his position as one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, his political engagement has garnered both admiration and criticism. Musk’s willingness to voice controversial opinions on government spending, immigration, and even the Federal Reserve continues to make him a figure of significant attention in the American political landscape.
As Musk continues to reshape the conversation around government efficiency and spending, his remarks at CPAC further solidify his role as an influential force within the conservative movement, with a future that may see him expanding his political influence even further.
