open_in_newOriginal article
How to lobby the ‘un-lobbyable’

How to lobby the ‘un-lobbyable’

  • 20.03.2025 22:29
  • politico.com
  • Keywords: Musk, DOGE, Bayer, Tesla, SpaceX

Lobbyists face challenges influencing Elon Musk due to his unconventional methods. Traditional tactics don't work, making it difficult to shape policies or gain influence.

Tesla ServicesBAMXFsentiment_satisfiedTSLAsentiment_dissatisfied

Estimated market influence

Musk

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Elon Musk's influence is significant as he's a key figure in Trump's administration and his decisions impact various sectors.

DOGE

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

DOGE has been involved in several negative actions, including leasing issues and recalls.

Bayer

Bayer

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

Bayer supports farmers which can lead to lower food prices.

Tesla

Tesla

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: Neutral

Tesla faced a stock drop and recall, affecting its market position.

SpaceX

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

Steve Davis' leadership at SpaceX contributed to cost-effective rocket building.

Context

Analysis: Lobbying Challenges in a New Era of Government

Lobbying Challenges

  • Elon Musk is considered "nearly un-lobbyable" due to his unconventional approach to governance and disdain for traditional political processes.
  • Washington's lobbying class struggles with Musk's mercurial nature, lack of conventional political team, and rapid decision-making style.

New Lobbying Strategies

  • Direct Access: Some lobbyists with pre-existing relationships or significant influence (e.g., IAN MILES CHEONG, DONALD TRUMP JR.) are leveraging personal connections to gain access.
  • Social Media Influence: Monitoring Musk's social media following (over 1,000 accounts he follows on X) is becoming a key strategy for identifying potential influencers and access points.
  • Conservative Media Outreach: Placing stories in outlets like Breitbart or The Daily Caller is seen as an alternative to direct engagement.

Federal Agency Impact

  • DOGE Challenges: The Department of Governmental Ethics (DOGE) is facing criticism for its aggressive approach, including:
    • Recall of over 46,000 Tesla Cybertrucks due to safety concerns.
    • Reversals in lease terminations, reducing savings by $140 million.
  • Federal Workforce Changes: Thousands of NOAA employees are being offered voluntary early retirement or separation incentives up to $25,000.

Market Trends

  • Stock Market Impact: Commerce Secretary HOWARD LUTNICK's endorsement of Tesla stock led to a 1.7% drop in shares.
  • Food Prices and Agriculture: Bayer highlights the link between agricultural support and food affordability, emphasizing the importance of crop protection tools like glyphosate.

Competitive Dynamics

  • Government Influence: Companies are increasingly reliant on federal agencies for survival, with real estate investments and regulatory approvals becoming critical strategic considerations.
  • Regulatory Uncertainty: The unpredictable nature of DOGE's decisions creates significant market volatility and operational challenges for businesses.

Long-Term Effects and Regulatory Impacts

  • National Security Concerns: The Trump administration's staffing cuts have raised fears about foreign recruitment of former U.S. intelligence officials, creating vulnerabilities in national security.
  • Disaster Management Shifts: FEMA's focus on resilience strategy reviews could alter the approach to disaster preparedness and response.

Conclusion

The evolving landscape of government influence under figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump presents significant challenges for businesses and lobbyists alike. Traditional lobbying methods are becoming obsolete, forcing a shift toward more innovative and unconventional strategies. The long-term implications include increased regulatory unpredictability, higher costs for companies seeking to navigate the new environment, and potential vulnerabilities in key industries.