CurrentReport Blog Tech billionaire Elon Musk has once again stirred controversy by revealing that the US government has allegedly been funneling a “shocking” amount of money into so-called independent media outlets.
Musk made the revelation on Thursday, February 20, 2025, in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle. He was responding to a comment by an X user, @ggreenworld, who criticized corporate media for having “zero knowledge of pre-2017 US history.”
According to Musk, legacy media organizations are heavily influenced by the government, making them mere “puppets” rather than truly independent voices.
DOGE Uncovers Government Media Payments
Musk stated that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been investigating financial transactions between the government and media organizations, uncovering massive amounts of funding directed toward so-called independent outlets.
“The amount of money that @DOGE is discovering going from government to fake ‘independent’ media is shocking,” Musk wrote.
While Musk did not disclose specific names of the media organizations involved, his statement has sparked widespread debate about media credibility and government influence over journalism.
Reuters Allegedly Paid $9 Million by Biden Administration
This is not the first time Musk has accused media organizations of receiving questionable government payments. In a recent post, he alleged that Reuters had been paid $9 million by the administration of former US President Joe Biden for what he called “large-scale social deception.”
Reuters, one of the world’s largest and most reputable news agencies, has not publicly responded to Musk’s claims. However, the allegations have intensified discussions about the financial ties between governments and media outlets.
Growing Concerns Over Media Independence
Musk’s comments highlight long-standing concerns about journalistic independence in the US and beyond. Over the years, various reports have suggested that governments provide direct and indirect funding to media organizations, often raising ethical concerns about biased reporting.
Critics argue that such financial arrangements can lead to state-influenced narratives disguised as independent journalism. Others, however, believe that government funding is sometimes necessary to support public interest journalism and media sustainability.
Musk’s Battle Against ‘Legacy Media’
Musk has been an outspoken critic of mainstream media, frequently accusing them of spreading misinformation and being influenced by corporate and political interests. Since acquiring X (formerly Twitter), he has championed alternative media voices and positioned the platform as a hub for free speech and independent journalism.
His latest claims about government payments to media outlets reinforce his push for greater transparency and accountability in the media landscape.
What’s Next?
Musk’s revelations have ignited fresh debates on media integrity, government transparency, and press freedom. While some have dismissed his claims as conspiracy theories, others demand an independent investigation into the alleged financial ties between the US government and media organizations.
