From Accountability to Autocracy: Elon Musk’s Rise in Government Threatens Our Democratic Foundations
I want to help you understand why bad actors like Elon Musk risk destroying the hard work established by Congress long ago, so I asked AI to compare the technocrat to the subject of my book.
Disclaimer: I’m a Democrat, and I wrote a biography about two Republicans. I work hard to see all sides in U.S. politics, but that doesn’t mean I agree with everyone. And so, tonight, I started playing around with ChatGPT, asking many questions I already knew the answers to, and several I did not. AI’s responses blew me away.
Elon Musk, recently appointed by Tyrant-elect Trump to head up the new Department of Government Efficiency, will be in a position that echoes the important work done by the U.S. congresswoman from Illinois whose life I wrote about in Politics, Partnerships, & Power: The Lives of Ralph E. and Marguerite Stitt Church.
And, because I’m both tired and curious right now, I asked ChatGPT to do some heavy lifting for me. Among other things, I asked it to:
…help me describe the importance of groups and committees — including the GSA (General Services Administration) — that oversee government efficiency and management
…help me describe why Marguerite Stitt Church’s work in Congress was so important — and why she was more badass than Musk could ever be
…help me illustrate, in plain terms, why Elon Musk could pose a threat to democracy.
What follows is a little U.S. government history — and whole lotta terrifying foreshadowing. Buckle up.
Here’s what ChatGPT came up with
Tell us about Marguerite and the U.S. House Committee on Government Operations
Marguerite Stitt Church served on the U.S. House Committee on Government Operations during her tenure as a congresswoman, representing Illinois from 1951 to 1963. This committee, established in 1952, was tasked with overseeing government efficiency and managing public expenditures under the executive branch. During her service, she worked under Presidents Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and John F. Kennedy.
Tell us about the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability
Today, the House Committee on Government Operations has evolved into the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. This modern version continues its mission to oversee federal government operations, ensuring efficiency, accountability, and transparency. While Marguerite's committee work was not directly tied to the General Services Administration (GSA), both focus on government operations, with the GSA specifically handling procurement, real estate, and technology services for federal agencies.
How would the new Government Efficiency office relate to the GSA?
The new Government Efficiency office would work in alignment with the General Services Administration's (GSA) Office of Shared Solutions and Performance Improvement (OSSPI). OSSPI is tasked with improving government-wide operations through shared services, which optimize mission-support functions like financial management, travel, human resources, and more. The new office could expand or refine these efforts, emphasizing better performance, reduced costs, and enhanced service delivery by identifying inefficiencies and implementing streamlined processes across agencies.
Moreover, the GSA’s role as a central player in government modernization through initiatives like the President’s Management Agenda and support for interagency executive councils aligns with the objectives of increasing government efficiency. This collaboration ensures a cohesive approach to optimizing federal resources and improving service outcomes
Describe Marguerite Stitt Church’s significance in government operations
Let’s look at the unique and expansive nature of Marguerite’s role. As a congresswoman on the House Committee on Government Operations, she wielded legislative authority to investigate and improve the efficiency of the federal government during pivotal moments in U.S. history. Her work was critical in overseeing the execution of federal programs during the post-WWII era, the Cold War, and the early Civil Rights Movement. This placed her at the center of ensuring that taxpayer dollars were spent wisely and that government agencies functioned effectively under Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, and Kennedy.
Marguerite's role required navigating complex political landscapes, balancing executive oversight with legislative accountability. Unlike a hypothetical appointment of Elon Musk, whose influence might be narrowly focused on technology or infrastructure, Marguerite's responsibilities were far-reaching. She influenced the very structure and accountability of federal governance, setting precedents that shaped how future administrations would manage public resources and respond to crises.
Additionally, her position on Government Operations came at a time when women were underrepresented in Congress, making her contributions even more remarkable. By contrast, an appointee like Musk would operate in an era of established frameworks for innovation, with more specialized and less sweeping influence over the broader machinery of government.
How can I express that Elon Musk would be a danger to democracy compared to someone like Marguerite Stitt Church?
Let’s focus on their different approaches to power, accountability, and public service.
1. Commitment to Democratic Oversight vs. Individual Power
Marguerite Stitt Church worked within a system of democratic checks and balances. Her role on the House Committee on Government Operations was rooted in ensuring that federal agencies were accountable, efficient, and transparent. She operated under the principle that government power must serve the public and be subject to scrutiny by elected representatives.
Elon Musk, by contrast, represents a figure whose influence comes largely from wealth and corporate control. If placed in a governmental role, his track record of prioritizing individual control and minimizing external oversight—seen in his handling of companies like Tesla and X (formerly Twitter)—might undermine the principles of collective governance and transparency. Critics argue that Musk's decision-making often lacks accountability and can be erratic, raising concerns about how he might wield public power without robust oversight.
2. Egalitarian Values vs. Technocratic Control
Marguerite's work was shaped by a post-war commitment to expanding democratic institutions and public access to government. She contributed to policies that reinforced the idea of government as a service for all citizens.
Musk’s technocratic approach, with its heavy reliance on privatization and technological supremacy, could risk sidelining democratic processes. His public musings on unfettered free speech or deregulation, for example, often prioritize efficiency or innovation over the democratic need for equitable and inclusive governance.
3. Impact on Public Discourse
Marguerite operated during a time when trust in democratic institutions was being built and actively worked to strengthen them.
Musk’s influence on platforms like X has sometimes led to the amplification of misinformation and the erosion of public trust in democratic norms. If he held an official government position, these tendencies could translate into policies or practices that undermine democratic safeguards such as fair elections, independent journalism, or non-partisan governance.
By comparing Marguerite’s legacy of institutional accountability and public service to Musk’s potential for prioritizing personal or corporate agendas, one can argue that her leadership was inherently more protective of democratic principles.
How might Elon Musk screw up the GSA?
If Elon Musk were to take a leadership role within the General Services Administration (GSA), several potential risks could arise based on his management style and track record:
1. Disregard for Established Procedures
The GSA relies on strict adherence to federal procurement and regulatory processes to ensure fair competition, transparency, and accountability. Musk, known for his disruptive and fast-paced approach, might view these processes as bureaucratic hurdles. This could lead to bypassing or weakening controls, risking inefficiency or corruption in government contracting.
2. Centralization of Power
Musk’s preference for centralized decision-making could clash with the GSA’s collaborative structure, which coordinates with multiple federal agencies. His tendency to concentrate authority might undermine the agency’s role in fostering interagency cooperation, crucial for government-wide initiatives.
3. Focus on Profit Over Public Service
The GSA is mission-driven, prioritizing public service over profit. Musk’s corporate background, centered on maximizing efficiency for financial gain, might shift focus away from equitable service delivery. For instance, decisions driven by cost-cutting could neglect accessibility or sustainability in government operations.
4. Potential Conflicts of Interest
As the head of multiple companies that work in technology and infrastructure (areas tied closely to GSA functions), Musk could face conflicts of interest. This might raise concerns about favoritism or self-dealing in federal contracts.
5. Disruption Without Preparation
Musk’s rapid implementation of changes, seen in his overhaul of X (formerly Twitter), could destabilize the GSA. Sudden overhauls without thorough planning or buy-in from key stakeholders could disrupt essential government services.
Comparison to Historical Leadership:
Unlike Marguerite Stitt Church, who prioritized government accountability and institutional integrity, Musk’s leadership could introduce unpredictability and a less democratic ethos, potentially endangering the GSA’s mission of efficient and equitable service delivery.
Finding a title for this piece
Finally, I asked ChatGPT to come up with some potential title ideas for me. First, I gave it some fuel to work with. I wrote:
Now I need a title for this article. We’re covering the following issues: Understanding the history of government operations. Seeing how my book’s subject played a role. Compare how Elon Musk risks fucking everything up because he bought his way into Trump’s favor. Show that a woman (who was once tapped to run as VP but declined becuase she knew she’d be more effective in Congress) had a far more important role in this rodeo than Musk ever could…and that I’m worried he’ll abuse his power and destroy democracy.
Title ideas straight from ChatGPT
1. "From Congress to Chaos: How Marguerite Stitt Church Upheld Democracy While Elon Musk Risks Tearing It Down"
Highlights the contrast between Church’s principled leadership and Musk’s potential for destabilizing governance.
2. "Power, Integrity, and the Perils of Influence: Why Marguerite Stitt Church’s Legacy Outshines Elon Musk’s Ambitions"
Frames the story as one of legacy and values in public service versus self-serving influence.
3. "Democracy on the Brink: Lessons from Marguerite Stitt Church in the Age of Elon Musk"
Suggests that Musk’s rise threatens democratic norms, drawing on Church’s historical example as a safeguard.
4. "What We Lose When We Forget: Marguerite Stitt Church’s Fight for Government Accountability vs. Musk’s Risky Power Play"
Emphasizes the stakes of ignoring history and the consequences of Musk’s unchecked influence.
5. "The Woman Who Said No to the Vice Presidency and Yes to Democracy: Why Marguerite Stitt Church’s Work Matters More Than Ever"
Puts Church’s decision to prioritize effective governance over personal ambition in sharp contrast to Musk’s rise.
6. Democracy at Risk: How Elon Musk's Power Grab Could Undo Generations of Good Governance"
Spotlights Musk’s influence as a threat to democratic stability.
7. "The Billionaire Who Bought His Way In: Why Elon Musk's Role in Government Could Erode Public Trust"
Focuses on Musk’s potential misuse of power and the dangers of money influencing governance.
8. "Marguerite Stitt Church Fought for Democracy—Elon Musk Risks Breaking It"
Directly contrasts Church’s legacy of safeguarding democratic principles with Musk’s potential to disrupt them.
9. "From Accountability to Autocracy: Elon Musk’s Rise in Government Threatens Our Democratic Foundations"
Frames Musk’s involvement as a move away from transparency and accountability.
10. "Marguerite vs. Musk: A Tale of Two Leaders and the Future of American Democracy"
Draws a stark comparison between a principled public servant and a self-serving tech mogul.
Now it’s your turn
How are you feeling these days? How do you feel about Musk’s role in our government?
Wow. I’m not a fan of AI for various reasons but damn! I appreciate this.
Amazing. Thank you!