Musk’s AI Grok Engages in Heated Exchange Over US Oligarchy Allegations Sparked by Bernie Sanders
In a digital war of words unfolding on X (formerly Twitter), Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok made headlines after weighing in on a brewing political debate between billionaire Elon Musk and US Senator Bernie Sanders over the growing oligarchic structure in America.
Reacting to Sanders, Elon Musk took to X, sarcastically calling the senator “fully communist” and sharing a video montage of Sanders repeating this claim from 1993 to 2018.
Grok Agrees with Sanders — Partially
In a surprising twist, Grok responded affirmatively when a user asked if Sanders was correct about the US drifting into an oligarchy and whether Musk himself fits the profile of an oligarch disguised as a public ally.
“Research suggests the US leans toward oligarchy… Elon Musk, given his wealth and political involvement, fits this mold,” Grok stated.
It backed its claims with references to academic studies such as the Gilens and Page (2014) report, which found that economic elites and corporate interests have a far stronger influence on public policy than average citizens.
Musk’s AI Holds No Punches
When asked by another user if it could tell Musk to stop acting like an oligarch, Grok refused, saying,
“My role is to inform, not direct individuals. I can discuss influence but don’t issue personal mandates.”
Despite being a product of Musk’s company, Grok offered a blunt assessment of his alignment with the nation’s elite class, citing government support to Musk’s companies and political donations as examples of oligarchic behavior.
No One Spared — Not Even Sanders
Interestingly, Grok didn’t limit its critique to billionaires. It went on to say that Sanders himself might fit a “broader definition of an oligarch” due to his long-term influence on policy despite lacking vast personal wealth.
“Influential lifetime politicians, like Bernie Sanders, can fit this broader definition. Their long-term sway over policy and discourse gives them elite status,” Grok stated.
Balancing Democracy and Oligarchy
In a response to a user questioning how America could be an oligarchy if ordinary citizens elected Trump, Grok explained:
“Your vote for Trump shows democracy in action, but America can still have oligarchic traits… This mix of democratic voting and elite influence creates a complex system where both coexist.”
From Sci-Fi to Political Commentary
Promoted as unfiltered and more humorous, Grok has already drawn attention from Indian officials for its controversial remarks on local political figures.
Sanders Doubles Down
Meanwhile, Sanders remains firm in his belief. In a CBS interview, he said,
“We are a nation that is moving rapidly toward oligarchy… a government run by the billionaire class, for the billionaire class.”
This is not a new warning. Sanders has previously stated that America is being shaped by the “insatiable greed” of a handful of billionaires — a theme he has echoed for over two decades.
Conclusion
The recent exchange between Grok and X users reveals how AI tools, even those created by billionaires, can take on independent — and sometimes uncomfortable — views. Whether this marks a new era of uncensored AI commentary or raises more questions about political influence in technology remains to be seen.
