In what can only be observed as a bizarre and politically motivated legal maneuver, the Biden Administration-controlled Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has initiated a dying breath lawsuit against Elon Musk, accusing him of failing to disclose his Twitter stock purchases in a timely manner back in 2022.
This action, coming mere days before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, raises significant questions about the motivation behind the suit an ever expanding pattern of government targeting Musk.
The Suit Itself, Examined:
The SEC’s complaint, as reported by Variety and others, alleges that Musk did not file the necessary “beneficial ownership” disclosures when he crossed the 5% ownership threshold of Twitter shares by March 24, 2022, instead waiting until April 4 to do so.
Elon Musk on Everyday Astronaut on X
The SEC claims this delay allowed Elon Musk to purchase shares at “artificially low prices,” costing other shareholders an estimated $150 million according to SEC’s statement. This laughably slanted narrative attempting to vilify Musk does not include the complexities of a purchase at this scale or potential oversights in that high-profile transaction.
Elon Musk’s attorney, Alex Spiro, dismissed the lawsuit as “a sham,” suggesting it’s the lame duck Biden SEC administration’s final attempt to tarnish Musk’s reputation before a Trump-led government takes over. Spiro’s points out the obvious, that even if the claim is true, it was merely an administrative oversight, with a nothing more than a minor penalty even if proven. The bald-faced timing and announcement underscores the pettiness of the legal action itself.
Transparent Timing and Political Motivation
The timing of this lawsuit is obviously not coincidental but indicative of a pattern. One that was levied on President Trump to slow his attempt to regain the presidency with bogus lawfare. With Musk now a prominent figure in Trump’s circle, appointed to co-head the Department of Government Efficiency, the lawsuit must be viewed through a political lens. A lens that has clearly been focused on hurting Elon’s actions with all of his businesses.
Elon Musk via AutismCapital on X
Look no further than the smoldering State of California and it’s public distain for his SpaceX operations in the state by the California Costal Commission. A Commission who’s leadership stated their disdain publicly with the following:
Commission Chair Caryl Hart: “We’re dealing with a company, the head of which has aggressively injected himself into the presidential race.”
Commissioner Gretchen Newsom: “Elon Musk is hopping about the country, spewing and tweeting political falsehoods and attacking [the Federal Emergency Management Agency] while claiming his desire to help hurricane victims with free Starlink access to the internet.”
Commissioner Mike Wilson: “This company is owned by the richest person in the world with direct control of what could be the most expansive communications system in the planet. Just last week that person was talking about political retribution.”
Elon Musk via Real Time with Bill Maher YouTube
These statements were recently cited in a lawsuit filed by Musk on October 15th against the overreach of the California Coastal Commission.
In a similar way, is this the SEC’s way of retaliating against Musk’s support for Trump, or is it an attempt to discredit him before he assumes a role that might scrutinize government inefficiencies, including those within the SEC itself? Two cents says you know what I’m thinking…
The History of Harassment Laid Bare
The relationship between Musk and the SEC has been contentious, particularly following the 2018 lawsuit over his “funding secured” tweet regarding Tesla. From that point on, Musk has often been in the SEC’s crosshairs, with numerous dubious probes and demands for testimony, especially around his Twitter (now X) acquisition.
Elon Musk via CNET Highlights YouTube
This recent SEO lawsuit follows a pattern where Elon Musk, a vocal critic of regulatory overreach, is disproportionately targeted compared to other business leaders who have faced similar or much worse accusations without this vigorous pursuit. The talk of two tier justice is subject to daily conversation, so the stench of selective enforcement raises questions about whether the SEC has been weaponized (as most other federal agencies have) against individuals who challenge the status quo or publicly support anti-establishment figures like Trump.
The Broader Context of Overreaching Investigations
Over the past few years, there’s been a noticeable shift in how government agencies have approached Musk:
- Continued Probes: The SEC tried to force Musk’s testimony in his 2023 Twitter acquisition, showing nagging interest in his specific thoughts and actions.
- Political Repercussions: Musk’s public endorsement of Trump and his role in the new administration has certainly driven establishment scrutiny, resulting in increased regulatory actions against him.
- Increased Cultural and Media Influence: Elon’s shift of compromised Twitter into X, handlining free speech, has made him a target of those trying to maintain control over narrative and thought.
Last Ditch Lawfare
The SEC suit against Elon Musk for at most, a minor, often overlooked infraction, and the potential legal implications for many others in similar positions, reeks of political lawfare. Can you recall the last time Bill Gates or George Soros were scrutinized as closely?
Elon’s scathing critique of the SEC and his broader push for government accountability has certainly rankled some throughout the administrative state. The scope of his new role and the mandate given to him have made him a threat to those who benefit from the current system. Perhaps there is fear of reciprocity for their poor treatment of him?
Elon Musk via New York Times Events YouTube
This lawsuit serves as a stark reminder of how regulatory bodies might be used as tools in political warfare, rather than focusing on pure oversight. As we move into the second Trump administration, the question we have to ask is whether this pattern of harassment, lawfare, and political retribution will intensify, or if new leaders will rise above the previous decade of childish pettiness.
Will DOGE and other campaign planks bring about a more balanced approach to regulation and a removal of redundancy? Can they finally bring the administrative state to heel? That is the question. Until then, this last-ditch effort by the SEC looks like a political vendetta.
Are you surprised that the SEC is moving against Elon Musk? Sound off and let us know your thoughts!
How is this different from selling short, which is known to be 100% legal?
Its a 100% political, make no mistake, i think for the first time ever the Machine is absolutly terrified, and we are so hopefull for the first time.
i hope with America and Canada communism govern falls the world heals a bit
You cannot be this much naive, can you? Trump and his cohort of bootlickers will be doing exactly the same, just target it the other way. Ffs, Trump literally said he will do it. If you think there will be any changes… friend, there won’t be. The so-called “Deep State” and “the machine” goes where wind blows. They will maybe fire those who would not be loyal to them, but they just put there the same people, just loyal to them. So instead of “communists” you will have “fascists”… Yaaaay! You won! Here you go; The Stupid Prize! (not targeted at you, but at Americans) Trump is the same evil as Biden. Not worse. Not better. The same. Just opposite political leaning.
forbes com/sites/maryroeloffs/2024/11/06/trump-vowed-to-go-after-political-rivals-if-re-elected-heres-who-could-be-targeted/
You actually believe what Forbes wrote? They’ve proven themselves to be just as partisan and biased as CNN, the WaPo, and MeidasTouch on YouTube. Now you sound naïve.
Of course it’s political. It’s a parting strike by Gary Gensler, the lame duck SEC Head. This is a perfect example of how vindictive the Biden admin is and what they’re willing to do on the way out. If they could, they’d no doubt try and start a full-on war just to “pwn Trump.” That’s what the woke do when they lose: they try and salt the earth behind them so nobody can enjoy what they had taken away.