Mullin Defends Musk’s Influence on Trump, Slams Democrats Over Hunter Biden Allegations

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) defended billionaire Elon Musk’s growing influence over President-elect Donald Trump and the Republican Party during a Fox News Sunday interview while pivoting to sharp criticisms of Hunter Biden and the Biden family.

Mullin praised Musk as a key figure in reshaping government efficiency, citing his role in temporarily derailing a bill to prevent a government shutdown. “We’re going to bring in Elon Musk and allow him to help us see what we aren’t being able to see,” Mullin told host Shannon Bream, referring to the unofficial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

“And so this is a perfect approach, and this is why the people elected President Trump to come in and be the 47th president of the United States.” Bream pushed back, pointing out Democratic concerns that Musk’s actions may be influenced by his business ties, including Tesla’s massive Shanghai plant and U.S. government contracts. She asked Mullin about potential conflicts of interest.

Mullin dismissed the concerns as hypocritical. “It’s laughable,” he said. “Because these same Democrats turned a blind eye to the 27 shell companies that the Biden family had with [Burisma], with companies in Europe, with companies all over China who were buying ridiculous payments for access to the president when he was vice president through Hunter Biden.”

He further claimed, “Remember, that’s why Hunter Biden was actually pardoned for a crime,” inaccurately referencing Biden’s legal history. Hunter Biden has not been charged with crimes related to Burisma or foreign business dealings; his legal issues stem from unrelated gun and tax charges for which he received a pardon.

Mullin also criticized President Joe Biden, calling him “absent” and suffering from “cognitive failing,” while accusing Democrats of unfairly targeting Trump and his team. When Bream questioned whether Musk’s influence could lead Congress to relinquish some legislative authority, Mullin dismissed the notion.

“The only people that are saying they’re being influenced by Elon Musk are the Democrats making accusations of that,” he replied. “We are going to listen to someone that’s been very successful in life because that’s what you do.”

Mullin concluded by defending Musk’s role in shaping Republican strategy. “We’re going to make informed decisions, what Elon gives us,” he said while bristling at accusations of over-reliance on Musk. “I really take a hard offense to the Democrats even accusing us of that.”

The exchange highlights growing tensions over Musk’s increasing role in Republican policymaking, with critics questioning the implications of his involvement and defenders emphasizing his business acumen.