Elon Musk, Canada, and the Growing Power of Tech Oligarchs
Elon Musk is at it again. Recently, he stirred the pot by claiming that “Canada is not a real country.” Now, I could roll my eyes and move on, but comments like this aren’t just trolling — they’re a glimpse into the unchecked power that tech billionaires like Musk have amassed. More than ever, these figures aren’t just shaping industries; they’re influencing politics, policies, and even the way we define nations.
Tech Titans Playing Politics
Musk’s jab at Canada is part of a larger trend: tech moguls flexing their influence beyond business. Take Musk himself — he’s actively backing political movements, pouring over $200 million into a pro-Trump PAC that’s running national TV ads. When one of the world’s most powerful individuals aligns himself so directly with politics, it raises serious questions about corporate influence in democracy.
And he’s not alone. Jeff Bezos has been quietly engaging with political figures, strategically aligning Amazon’s interests with U.S. policies. Meanwhile, venture capitalist Marc Andreessen is funding candidates across party lines, ensuring his influence stretches no matter who’s in power. These aren’t just business leaders; they’re kingmakers, reshaping the political landscape to fit their own agendas.
Why This Matters
The rise of tech oligarchy isn’t just an American issue — it affects everyone, including Canadians. Musk’s control over platforms like X (formerly Twitter) gives him an outsized role in shaping public discourse. Meta’s decision to block Canadian news content last year was another reminder that our ability to access information can be dictated by a handful of Silicon Valley executives. If left unchecked, this kind of power could erode democracy itself, turning global politics into a game where the wealthiest players always win.
What Can Be Done?
We need to start asking tough questions: How do we ensure that billionaires don’t have more political influence than everyday citizens? How do we regulate platforms that control the flow of information? Governments and watchdog groups need to step up, but so do we. Staying informed, challenging narratives, and supporting independent media are all ways to push back against this growing monopoly on power.
Musk might think he can write off Canada with a tweet, but democracy isn’t up for sale. And if tech billionaires keep trying to rewrite the rules, it’s up to us to remind them who really calls the shots. US. THE PEOPLE!
