Elon Musk has once again used his massive social media platform, X, to spread misleading information about a major political issue — this time, targeting Congress’s end-of-year spending bill. In a flurry of posts on Wednesday, Musk pushed Republicans to oppose the bill, while spreading a series of false claims that fueled confusion and controversy.
The funding deal, which Congress unveiled late Tuesday, aims to avoid a government shutdown by extending government funding through mid-March. But just hours after its release, Musk took to X to slam the measure, sharing incorrect information about everything from investigations into January 6 to the funding of bioweapons labs.
Musk’s misinformation blitz kicked off with a tweet falsely claiming that the bill would prevent any further probes into the events of that day. However, this claim was baseless. The text of the bill doesn’t mention the riot at all. It only clarifies the control over House data stored elsewhere, which is nothing that would affect investigations.
Another falsehood amplified by Musk was the idea that the bill would fund “bioweapons labs.” This claim appeared to stem from a post by the conservative account Libs of TikTok. However, the funding in question is directed toward biocontainment labs, which are designed to support research into public health and prepare for potential biological threats, like infectious diseases. These labs are not designed to develop bioweapons.
Perhaps one of the most bizarre claims Musk shared was that the bill would pave the way for a new taxpayer-funded football stadium in Washington, D.C. Musk suggested this would be a “playground for NFL elites, lobbyists, and VIPs.” In reality, the bill merely transfers control of a site in D.C. to local government for potential development. This could include a football stadium, but it doesn’t involve direct funding for such a project.
The Impact of Musk’s Misinformation
Musk’s false claims didn’t go unnoticed. As his tweets gained traction, Republican lawmakers began to back away from supporting the funding bill. Speaker Mike Johnson and other GOP leaders, who were initially open to the deal, started to consider alternative plans, influenced by the growing push from figures like Musk and former President Trump.
Trump himself echoed Musk’s criticisms, calling for Republicans to reject the deal in favor of a “streamlined spending bill” with fewer concessions to Democrats. By Wednesday afternoon, many GOP members were defecting, and the future of the funding deal looked uncertain.
Musk’s social media influence seems to have played a significant role in swaying the debate. Experts have raised concerns about his power to spread false information and sway political decisions. “Musk uses his platform as a megaphone for questionable or inaccurate claims,” said Erik Nisbet, director of Northwestern University’s Center for Communication & Public Policy. “He often throws out a lot of different accusations, seeing what sticks without caring much for facts.”
Lawmakers Push Back
As Musk’s misinformation campaign picked up steam, several lawmakers criticized his role in the debate. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) called Musk the “Republican Unelected Co-President” for using his influence to derail the bill. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) expressed frustration, asking, “Elon Musk snaps his fingers and we shut down the government? It’s unacceptable.”
On the other side of the aisle, some Republicans, like Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), urged Musk to “check your sources” before spreading baseless claims. “Take 5 seconds to check your facts,” Crenshaw said in response to Musk’s attacks on Republican lawmakers.
Musk’s Influence on the GOP
Musk’s close ties to Trump have only increased his influence in Republican circles. The billionaire has been seen participating in high-level meetings with Trump and other key figures in the GOP. This connection has made Musk a powerful force in shaping political discourse — even if it means spreading misinformation.
While Musk’s tweets may have led to some short-term political victories, they also underscore the dangers of using a platform with millions of followers to push false claims without consequences. As Congress races to reach a deal on government funding, the role of misinformation — especially from powerful figures like Musk — is more apparent than ever.
In the end, Musk’s false claims about the spending bill highlight a worrying trend: the ease with which misinformation can spread and influence political outcomes. As lawmakers continue to negotiate the future of the U.S. government, they will have to reckon with the power of tech billionaires and their ability to sway public opinion — regardless of the facts.
