Episode 17: Musk Without Borders – Disrupting Governments Worldwide

In Part 5 of our six-part series on Elon Musk, we zoom out from Washington to the world stage. Musk isn’t just dismantling the U.S. government from within—he’s reshaping global politics without ever holding elected office. From Starlink in Ukraine to political meddling in Germany, from Tesla’s entanglements in China to his cozy rapport with Putin, Musk is acting like a rogue superpower. And no one voted him in.

This episode also features a powerful conversation with Amy Richter, a German-born life coach and newly naturalized American citizen whose cross-continental perspective adds depth to the question: What happens when private tech empires start shaping foreign policy?

In This Episode:

• The Global Power Play – Why Musk’s influence now extends far beyond U.S. borders—and what’s really driving his international agenda.
• China and the Corporate State – The risks of Musk’s deep ties to Beijing, his praise for authoritarian governance, and how U.S. military reliance on Starlink creates a dangerous dependency.
• Starlink and the War in Ukraine – How Musk's private decision to block coverage in Crimea may have altered the course of war—and why world leaders are uneasy with his unchecked power.
• Europe’s Backlash – From Germany to Hungary, Musk is fueling far-right movements, manipulating political discourse on X, and facing legal action under the EU's Digital Services Act.
• Exclusive Interview: Amy Richter
  A Wendekinder from East Germany turned American citizen shares her insights on:
  • The emotional toll of becoming a U.S. citizen
  • How civic education and voter suppression intersect
  • Reactions to Musk’s Tesla plant in Germany
  • The rise of nationalism in Europe
  • What gives her hope in a fractured, fast-moving world
• Musk’s Global Endgame – When one man controls critical infrastructure, narrative platforms, and geopolitical leverage, what checks remain? What happens if no one draws the red lines?

Next Episode – Episode 18: The Endgame

The final chapter in our Musk series. What is Elon Musk really after—and can democracy survive it?

Transcript

Bella Goode  00:01

Hi. Welcome to Surviving Trump, the podcast where we navigate this new American era with disbelieving eyes and a rapidly beating heart. I'm your host, Bella Goode. Today's episode: Global Power Play is part five of our six part series on Elon Musk. Over the past several episodes, we've traced Musk's astonishing ascent from his formative years in apartheid era South Africa to his rise as a dominant force in the private sector, most recently, his unprecedented role in government as head of the Department of Government Efficiency. But today, we widen the lens. 

We're not just looking at Elon Musk as a powerful American businessman. We're examining him as a global player, a private citizen whose actions ripple across continents, from space diplomacy to shadow influence, from European factories to private summits with world leaders. Musk is redrawing the lines of foreign power to help us make sense of this moment. I'm joined later in the show by Amy Richter, a life coach and a world citizen with deep roots in both East Germany and the United States. Amy's journey from growing up in a reunified Germany influenced by Soviet legacy, to earning her American citizenship just in time to watch democracy buckle, offers powerful insight into what global influence really means on a human level. 

But first, let's break down Musk's entanglements around the world and what happens when a billionaire starts playing geopolitics without a home country behind them. I wonder what's really driving Musk's push into global politics. Elon Musk that it's all about efficiency and innovation, but there's a lot more going on under the surface. For one, he wants power, real political power. He's running the Department of Government Efficiency under Trump, even though he was never confirmed by Congress or vetted by the FBI. But it's also about money. His companies, Tesla, SpaceX and X are deeply tied to government contracts and global market. Having a saying, global politics helps protect his business empire. And then there's ideology. Musk supports far right populist movements. He's endorsed parties that are anti immigration and anti democracy in Europe, in the US and in South Africa. 

So this just isn't business. It's also about reshaping the world to fit his beliefs. And finally, he controls the platform X, which gives him power to shape political conversations worldwide. That's influence most world leaders can only dream of. So let's look at China. This is where he plays a pretty dangerous game, blending economic dependency, geopolitical alignment and potentially compromised US interests. China isn't just a major market for Tesla, it's home to the company's most productive factory, the Shanghai Gigafactory, built with $2.8 billion in support from the Chinese government, and now accounts for over half of Tesla's global deliveries. 

No other Western CEO has been granted access and autonomy in China that Musk has. And Musk has reciprocated in 2022 he told the Financial Times that Taiwan should become a special administrative zone of China. A year later, he doubled down, calling Taiwan an integral part of China and likened it to Hawaii. The backlash was swift. Taiwan's Foreign Minister accused Musk of selling out to authoritarianism, but Musk hasn't wavered on X. 

He routinely praises China, encourages Americans to visit and avoids criticism of its surveillance state and human rights abuses. A striking silence from someone who is so vocal on US and European politics. Behind the scenes, the ties run deeper. Chinese investors have poured millions into Musk's private companies, including SpaceX, neuralink and X-AI, the ventures with serious national security implications. 

SpaceX, which launches Pentagon satellites and operates the military reliant Starlink network is now partially entangled with a China geopolitical rival. The Pentagon is where it has warned of Chinese weapons designed to disable satellites including Starlink, even as it expands its reliance on Musk hiring SpaceX to build A whole new generation of spy satellites. And here lies the contradiction. The US military sees Musk as essential, and China sees Musk as a threat, but also, but possibly also, an asset. This creates a historical security dilemma, a private citizen critical to us defense. Science yet deeply enmeshed in China's strategic orbit. 

Even Trump has privately raised concerns, especially given Musk's access to intelligence through the Department of Government Efficiency. Still no red lines have been drawn. Must claims neutrality a global problem solver, not a partisan actor, but his growing alignment with Beijing tells a different story in an era where communications satellites and narrative control define power, Musk's role as a bridge or a pawn between superpowers may be one of the most consequential developments of our time, and no one elected him to play that part. So if Musk's ties to China raise red flags, his role in the Russia Ukraine war is even more urgent and dangerous. 

This is an abstract geopolitics. It's war. Lives are at stake, and one billionaire gets to decide who has internet access on the battlefield. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 Musk was hailed as a hero Starlink, his satellite internet system was rapidly deployed to restore Ukraine's bombed out communications. It became the backbone of Ukraine's military, enabling encrypted operations, drone strikes and real time coordination. And then came the blackout. In 2023 Ukrainelaunched a strike against Russian ships in the Crimea. Starlink was critical. Troops advanced, then the signal vanished. Just- not jammed. It was just gone. Musk had refused to authorize coverage. 

In an instant, Ukraine's communications collapsed. The mission stalled. Lives were at risk. Ukraine was forced to adapt, and fast. Commanders scrambled for the backup systems, relying on patchy connections and high risk workarounds, the blackout exposed a brutal proof; one billionaire had the power to tip the balance in a war zone with a flip of a switch. Ukrainian leaders were furious. One aid accused Musk of "committing evil" President Zelenskyy's government distanced itself, even while continuing to rely on Starlink. But it gets murkier. According to The Wall Street Journal, Musk had been in contact with Putin and may have denied Starlink access, not just in Crimea, but in Taiwan at the request of China. Musk denies acting under pressure, but hasn't denied the conversations. 

What is clear, Musk controls a critical communication system used by militaries worldwide, and he is willing to make decisions based on personal judgment, not government policy. Russian officials have praised him. Dmitry Medvedev thanked Musk for his balanced position. Meanwhile, NATO allies are uneasy. Poland has hit it, hinted at dropping Starlink, and others are questioning the wisdom of depending on a single tech mogul in a war, because this isn't just about Ukraine. It's about who controls the future of warfare. Musk has shown that if private company, even a single individual can shape the course of military conflict. One man flipping a digital switch determining the fate of nations. Is he a peace broker, a rogue actor, or a liability whose ego and empire now warp global security. In Europe, Elon Musk's political meddling is provoking fierce backlash, especially in Germany, at least this is what has been reported by the US press. 

He's not just voicing opinions, he's actively boosting far right movements, attacking centrist leaders and turning X into a megaphone for nationalist disinformation. Germany has felt the brunt of it. Musk publicly endorsed the far right Alternative for Germany, also known as AFD, calling them Germany's last hope. That's significant, the AFD is under surveillance for extremist activity and widely seen to be a threat to Germany's democratic order. After Musk's endorsement, their content engagement on X jumped eightfold, even as their actual posting declined. His algorithm amplified them, his platform legitimized them across Europe, Musk has echoed far right rhetoric, praising Hungary's Viktor Orban, attacking liberal leaders in the UK and framing anti migrant policies as common sense. French and Spanish officials accuse him of fueling a reactionary international a loose alliance of authoritarian voices bent on eroding democratic norms. 

The EU is responding; under the Digital Services Act, regulators are investigating acts for algorithmic manipulation and election interference. Musk could face steep fines if violations are confirmed. Public sentiment is clear in Germany and in the UK, over 70% oppose his political interference, only about 15% think it's acceptable, while extremists cheer him on. Most Europeans see Musk for what he is; a foreign actor, destabilizing their democracies with American tech and money. Today, to many in Europe, Musk isn't a disrupter, he's a threat. Elon Musk's growing influence across Europe is reshaping not only markets, but also diplomatic relationships and political alignments. 

But to truly understand the global implications of Musk's actions, we need to step outside the headlines and look at how individuals with global roots and cross cultural perspectives are interpreting this moment, especially those who understand the weight of history. So now I want to shift gears and bring in our special guest whose life journey gives her a unique lens on both American and European politics and the tectonic forces reshaping our world. Joining me is Amy Richter, a digital business manager and life coach who embodies what it means to be a world citizen. 

Born and raised near Berlin in what was once East Germany, Amy belongs to a generation known as the Wendkinder Those born between the fall of the Berlin Wall and the German reunification. Her childhood was shaped by the remnants of Russian influence and the lingering contrast between East and West Germany. She grew up hearing stories about her family and the scarcity of everyday things in East Germany, bananas, American jeans, and about the hope and wonder they felt when glimpses of Western life filtered in from across the wall. And for Amy, one symbol of freedom and possibility stood out; going to America. 

She first came to the US at age 13, not long after 9/11 through a youth keyboard orchestra program. Yes, that is a thing, and fell in love with everything from donuts and soda fountains to the sheer scale of American life. Despite language barriers and personal challenges, she made it her mission to come back. Over the years, she studied on three continents, mastered both British and American English, with a little help from the Gilmore Girls, and eventually returned to the US as an exchange student, where she met her now husband, also a European with American dreams. 

Today, Amy is an American citizen. She and her husband have traveled the country extensively, house sitting their way across red states and blue states, big cities and small towns, meeting peoples from every corner of the American spectrum. And yet after all of that, she finds herself deeply concerned, not just as a citizen, but as someone who grew up with a memory of what authoritarianism once felt like in her part of the world. 

Amy, welcome to Surviving Trump. I'm so glad you're here, and I'm eager to hear your perspective in a number of areas. I also want to forewarn our listeners that we've packed a lot of topics into this interview, so I'm going to restrain myself from asking too many follow up questions, and to be mindful of the time. Amy, you came here first as a teenager, and then returned to study, and eventually you moved here permanently. You arrived for freedom, opportunity and adventure, has your view of the US changed? And if so, how? 

Amy Richter  13:45

Thanks for having me. And second, absolutely, as a teenager and student, I used to dream about America's big cities, Hollywood glamor and its innovative entrepreneurial spirit, and of course, the promise of freedom you hear so much about. Now, after spending the past seven years traveling this country extensively, I've fallen in love with its natural landscapes, open spaces, and the people I've met along the way. I came chasing a dream, but I've stayed because I want to help shape this country's future and contribute to the changes it desperately needs. The more experience, the more I understood what being a melting pot really means, something I learned very early on in English class and the true cost of the American dream on our health, education, environment and mental well-being. That's also why I turn to life and wellness coaching. I still believe in what this country could be. 

Bella Goode  14:44

And that's why you decided to become a US citizen last year? What was that like going through the naturalization process, especially after dreaming about this country for so long? 

Amy Richter  14:54

Well, becoming a citizen was a milestone I'd long imagined, but the process was long, complicated, expensive and deeply emotional. I completely understand where many people opt to remain green card holders for example. Going through it all and studying for my English and Civics test made me realize just how much I learned about the US government theory, only to see many of those ideals falter in practice, especially recently. I met a lot of people who weren't aware of the intricacies of the system. For instance, how green card holders are taxed on the worldwide income here in the US. It often made me wonder if a better informed public might actually improve things. 

Bella Goode  15:39

No, that's- that's a good thought. Well, actually, given America's political shifts, have you ever felt like an outsider, even though you built your life here? 

Amy Richter  15:48

Despite being white and a fluent English speaker, I sometimes feel that I don't quite belong in the nations that's becoming increasingly hostile toward foreigners. It's ironic, though, considering America's identity is built on immigration, there's a persistent tension between that founding spirit and the current climate that often feels exclusionary. I'm grateful to be here, yet there's always a slight edge of unease. Being a citizen has helped, definitely, but it still doesn't feel like 100% home.

Bella Goode  16:23

That's a very good impression. Because I said, I mean, I'm I've been here for many years, well, my entire life, but I've often wondered what it feels like to be somebody who hasn't been here that long, of what that impression is. So well, how has living in the US impacted you emotionally, especially compared to your experiences in Europe?

Amy Richter  16:44

Living here is more stressful than I expected. I often feel anxious and pressured to achieve more, to earn more, to do something groundbreaking. Growing up in Europe taught me to value a slower, more community focused life. Their affection is openly shared, and life isn't a relentless race. In Europe, everything feels slower and more human. Here, it seems the drive to be somebody sometimes comes at the expense of genuine connection. It's exhausting sometimes, but I'm learning to ground myself and community and to savor the quieter moments, bringing a bit of European calm to the U.S. I miss that balance, and I truly believe both places could learn a lot from one another. Leaders like Obama and Merkel understood that well. 

Bella Goode  17:32

Sounds like Europe is a place that I might want to move to to reduce my stress level. 

Amy Richter  17:39

Yeah, definitely. 

Bella Goode  17:40

Well, speaking about differences, what are the differences that you've noticed between voting in Germany and voting in the US? 

Amy Richter  17:47

Well, the contrast is striking honestly. In Germany, eligible voters are automatically registered, and mail in ballots are the norm, simple, straightforward and largely free of drama. With more than 10 political parties, voting is about values and ideas, rather than a binary red or blue choice like in the US. In the US, I was surprised also by how difficult and frankly discouraging the voting process can be. I mean registration deadlines, long lines, complex ballots and gerrymandering often make it seem like the system is designed to keep people out rather than include them. 

Bella Goode  18:29

Well, has that system changed at all in Germany recently?

Amy Richter  18:33

Well, that's been a noticeable shift. Although mail voting in Germany used to be rock solid, concerns about potential vulnerabilities have started to surface. People are beginning to question its integrity, and as you know, once trust erodes, it's incredibly hard to rebuild. Also, while the multi party system usually means a coalition governs rather than a single party, this diversity also reflects a wider range of opinions. I mean, it shows that Germans, especially in East Germany where I grew up, are no longer as unified as they once were, even if that unity was partly shaped by the past. But the strong showing of the Alternative for Germany, especially in East Germany for instance, is both concerning and a sign that some still feel left behind.

Bella Goode  19:22

You know, the past seems to have, still have a strong hold on Germany. How do you view Musk's comment about Germans needing to move past their historical guilt? 

Amy Richter  19:33

Honestly, as much as I hate, I hate to admit it, I can understand at this point that was one of the reasons, actually, I wanted to leave Germany. In school the Holocaust was a constant subject. I remember two years before graduation, having five different classes covering it simultaneously. While it's crucial to ensure that, of course, something like this never happens again, the way it was taught often made us feel personally responsible, like we carried an inherited burden of guilt simply for being German.

There's a fine line between remembrance and inherited shame, and sometimes I felt modern Germany lean too far into the latter. I always admire the confidence of the kids in the U.S, also something where I came here, I mean, they seemed so self assured and unburdened by history. In East Germany, where I'm from, there was an underlying message, don't take up too much space. Don't make mistakes, keep your head down. And that mindset has been tough to unlearn. So when Musk made those comments, it rubbed many the wrong way, but part of me thought, well, there's some truth to that, and Germans- Germany is still trying to balance honoring its past with letting future generations stand tall. So it is quite the opposite of the US. 

Bella Goode  20:55

What an- very interesting observation, especially it's valuable because it's coming from your perspective, and you've lived through it. Just shifting here a little bit. There's been a lot of talk about Musk's Tesla Gigafactory in Berlin, Brandenburg. How does that play into the political and cultural landscape there?

Amy Richter  21:11

Anger of Musk's flair theatrics. For example, during its construction, Musk visited not once, but twice, and each with it was an elaborate spectacle. The entire area was cordoned off with even the Autobahn shutdown. They brought in huge palm trees, utterly surreal for Germany, especially East Germany, where everything is dry and even build temporary streets just for this two hour appearance, only to dismantle everything afterward. Each of these shows reportedly cost around 1 million euros. I mean, it's classic Musk, obsessed with showmanship, and yet here he is involved in projects like streamlining aspects of social security in the US, which makes his larger than life image even more contradictory.

Bella Goode  22:01

I've also heard about the broken job promises tied to his Tesla plan in Brandenburg. What's your take? 

Amy Richter  22:07

Well, it's a bit of a head scratcher. The Gigafactory, also producing batteries and such was built in a drinking water protection zone, of all places. And the promise job creation has always been dubious. In reality, it's located about 50 miles from the Polish border, where labor is significantly cheaper. For someone to ring Germany first values. It's hard to reconcile that with the on the ground reality. There's inherent irony here. His disruptive presence seems to cause more political noise than actual transformative change in local politics. 

Bella Goode  22:44

Can you elaborate on how his influence has played a role in the recent out of term election?

Amy Richter  22:49

Sure, Musk's influence certainly raised eyebrows when he endorsed the Alternative for Germany, a far right party that gained traction, and after Angela Merkel's departure. He supported their Germany first narrative, even though his operations are hiring for Poland rather than fulfilling local job promises in Germany, and his impact on Germany's automotive interest industry has been decidedly negative. However, in Germany, political endorsements generally don't carry the same weight as they do in the US. I mean, people in Germany tend to focus on the party's political program rather than celebrity endorsements, so in that sense, his endorsement wasn't as big a deal as it might have been in America.

Bella Goode  23:34

That's interesting. Speaking of political campaigns, how would you describe the difference between political discourse in the US and in Germany, or actually in Europe more broadly?

Amy Richter  23:46

While in Europe, political campaigns are generally shorter, more focused on policy and governed by stricter rules. There are no constant attack ads or outright fabrications. As for Musk's presence, it barely registered in Germany and made a couple of headlines, but overall, his disruptive influence, especially in the automotive sector, which is a cornerstone of the German economy, has not earned him much favor. I'm actually surprised that the Alternative for Germany even wants to be associated with him, given that his operations rely on cheaper labor for Poland rather than delivering on promises made to German Workers. 

Bella Goode  24:25

That's interesting. Now, you know what? Let's go back to the US and your experience. You and your husband have literally traveled America from coast to coast multiple times. What have you seen that most people have missed? 

Amy Richter  24:38

Our house sitting journey has taken us to places far from the big cities and typical tourist roads. We stayed in small towns, rural areas and neighborhoods that many Americans rarely visit, and we met both Trump voters and Biden-Harris supporters. And what really stood out was how kind people were, regardless of their political leanings. I think we've seen more of the US than most, and that's given me deep respect for its diversity, beauty, but also its complexity. It also highlighted how disconnected the national narrative can be from everyday life, but also explains how Trump was able to get so many votes. I mean, everyone seems to be in that bubble, either geographically or online or both, and providing proper education and infrastructure, especially in rural areas, is a huge challenge the US still hasn't solved. That is where its size becomes a weakness it seems.

Bella Goode  25:36

Another good point. But you know, you haven't just traveled in the US. You've experienced life worldwide. What do you see happening globally, especially with regard to voting rights and belonging? 

Amy Richter  25:47

Well, you're right. We've traveled a lot around the world and worldwide, it seems more people are living in countries where they can't vote, even after decades of residency and paying taxes. Let's take the US. There are 14 million green card holders alone in the US, paying taxes on their worldwide income but not being allowed to vote, and many have lived here for decades. And another 5 million are living here in different work visas, also paying taxes here. That's 20 million people living here in the US, paying taxes here in the US, but not being allowed to vote. And estimates suggest that another 10 million people living and paying taxes here that are not legally allowed to work here, but they still pay taxes here. 

So globalization hasn't quite caught up with political representation. And I think people don't realize what happens to this country without immigrants. At the same time, politics in places like the US has become so personal and divisive. It's everywhere, I mean, from bumper stickers to dinner table debates and people increasingly avoid those who think differently than them. That erosion of open dialog and community is truly alarming. Democracy isn't supposed to be a team sport where you only take- talk to people who agree with you.

Bella Goode  27:07

Well, you know what? With all these changes, what gives you hope? What worries you the most?

Amy Richter  27:13

I'm deeply hopeful about the power of education, dialog and community. I believe that when people generally connect, positive change is possible. But I'm also very worried, given my German background, history seems to be repeating itself with the rise of authoritarian tendencies, rampant disinformation and growing division. Politics is becoming too personal. Family dinners turn into battlegrounds, and everyday conversations become debates over identity and belonging. 

Bella Goode  27:47

What keeps you moving despite all these challenges? Of course, everybody wants to hear the answer because everybody's going through the same thing. 

Amy Richter  27:54

Yeah. Well, despite higher costs for health insurance, I stay because I want to be part of the solution. Yes, the journey is stressful and sometimes disheartening, but every conversation like this one and every shared story is a step toward progress. We need to keep pushing for systems that truly reflect our highest ideals, whether in America or in Germany and Europe. 

Bella Goode  28:21

I thought maybe you would offer to share some of your life coaching suggestions. That's what we all need. We're a country in need of life coaching. 

Amy Richter  28:31

Yeah. So one of the things I suggest my clients, who especially deal with high anxiety, is to limit news as much as possible. I know it's important to stay informed, but to really limit news for like, I don't know, 30 minutes a day, and hopefully not first thing in the morning and not before going to bed, that is a huge thing that many people just are too consumed by the news. 

Bella Goode  29:01

I think it would be an interesting debate to hear two different views. One, limit the amount of information that you take in each day, versus two, take in as much information as you can within the bounds of the day, so that you're better informed and that your eyes are wide open in terms of what's happening around you and things that you can do to help the situation. So I go back and forth myself. I mean, I have lots of friends that, you know, "Hey, forget it. I'm not going to listen, you know, I'm not even listening 30 minutes a day, much, yes, you know, anything more than that." But I think I would answer the question a little bit like pick the people that you want to hear from in terms of the press, pick a few commentators, like Heather Cox-Richardson, Robert Reich, Simon Rosenberg, there's a whole bunch out there, and what you can do fairly quickly is to figure out which ones you think are delivering the most important message on a daily basis. And- 

Amy Richter  30:05

Yeah.

Bella Goode  30:06

That's one way to keep yourself grounded. 

Amy Richter  30:08

Yeah, that's for sure. And going into nature as much as possible, because nature grounds us, and we are like, just all inside too much, and we need to get out more. 

Bella Goode  30:17

Yeah, well, that's all tied back to this, being a gerbil on a on a spinning wheel. You know, you don't know where to get off so but Amy, thank you so much for your honesty and your perspective and your willingness to share your full story with us. You've shown us that actually history lives in people, not just in textbooks or headlines, and that the pursuit of freedom, belonging and truth is a global struggle. Your journey from East Germany to American heartland, it reminds us, reminds me just how much is at stake when democratic values are challenged. 

And speaking of what's at stake, it's time to turn our attention back to Elon Musk and the growing reach of his influence, while his story is often told in terms of innovation and disruption, it's also a tale of geopolitical consequences. His rise as a global actor brings real rewards, but even greater risks. He's reshaping diplomacy, national security and global conflict, not from a government post, but from the helm of a tech empire. At times, he has filled leadership vacuums. When Russia launched its full scale invasion in February of 2022 Ukraine's internet infrastructure began to collapse under the pressure of war. 

Just days into the crisis, Ukrainian officials reached out to Elon Musk on Twitter. He responded almost immediately activating the internet and shipping terminals into the country. It became a lifeline fast, reliable and secure. Starlink quickly turned into a critical tool for military communications, emergency response and keeping civilians connected to the outside world. He also pushed for innovation and defense, energy and AI at a scale that few can match. But the flip side is more troubling. 

Musk now controls critical infrastructure like Starlink relied on by the US military and its allies. At the same time, he's deeply entangled with China, home to Tesla's most productive factory and a key investor in his ventures like neuralink and X-AI, that dependency raises urgent national security concerns, especially as Musk echoes Chinese positions at Taiwan and lobbies for tariff cuts that benefit Beijing at America's expense. In Russia, Musk has reportedly communicated directly with Vladimir Putin and has denied Starlink access during a key Ukrainian offensive, claiming that he feared nuclear escalation, whatever the motive, the result favored the Kremlin and showcased the terrifying power of one man deciding battlefield outcomes. 

And there's Europe, where Musk's actions have strained alliances. He's endorsed far right parties like Germany's AFD, boosting their visibility onXx and provoking outrage from Democratic leaders. The EU has launched investigations into election interference, while public opinion in Germany, the UK and France has turned sharply against him. The deeper issue, well, we all know it; Musk answers to no one. He holds Pentagon contracts, Pentagon secrets and global influence, but skipped the confirmation hearings, the ethical reviews, the accountability. His actions blur the lines between corporate interest and national interest, between innovation and interference. 

Supporters say that he's shaking up broken systems and forcing governments to think faster, but what he's building may be faster and more dangerous, a global power structure driven not by democracy or diplomacy, but by one CEO's instincts and incentives. In the end, Musk's impact isn't just disruptive, it's destabilizing. The US is stronger with innovation, but weaker when foreign policy is shaped by in a boardroom, and if left unchecked, the cost of his unchecked influence may only become clear after the damage is done. So Musk's influence isn't limited to Wall Street, Silicon Valley or Capitol Hill. It stretches across continents, quietly shaping policies, alliances and public narratives. 

What we've explored today through Musk's moves broad and Amy's powerful reflections is that geopolitical power isn't always exercised by governments. Sometimes it's wielded by individuals with enough wealth platforms and audacity to bend systems to their will. But the antidote to that kind of unaccountable power is something far less flashy. It's civic engagement, education. Honest dialog and the stories that we share across borders and ideologies. 

Amy reminded us that democracy depends on people, on their awareness, their connection and their courage to speak out when the dream starts to drift into something darker. Join us next week as we conclude our six part series on Elon Musk with an in depth look at his end game, what he's truly after, where we're going, where we go from here, and what he's ultimately capable of. 

Before we sign off, I have two favors to ask. Join the conversation. The transcript and links for this episode are available, so let's talk. Drop a comment, ask a question, push back on ideas. This isn't just a podcast, it's a community. And tell me what you think. Do you love the show? Do you not love the show? Do you have a critique? I want that too. Should I shift gears? Your feedback shapes what comes next, and do follow me on Blue Sky. 

On that note, I leave you with some humor from Borowitz, the comedian. Dateline Washington, the Borowitz report, negotiations over Ukraine have appeared to stall after Russian President Vladimir Putin kept Donald Trump on hold on the phone for 45 minutes, listening to Balalaika music. According to the White House sources, Trump consumed 18 cans of Diet Coke during the lengthy Musical interlude. Although Russian President never picked up the call, Trump took to truth social to declare it a perfect phone call. "President Putin honored me by ordering his Russian banjo players to serenade me for almost an hour. He would never have done that for sleepyJoe." Until next time, stay engaged, stay informed, and most importantly, stay in the fight. This is Bella Goode signing off.