Musk’s Outburst to Sen. Mark Kelly: A New Low in Political Decorum

Musk lives unfiltered in his little world on 'X'.

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the Trump administration, ignited a firestorm on March 10, 2025, by calling Senator Mark Kelly a “traitor” on X (formerly Twitter). The remark came in response to Kelly’s posts about his recent visit to Ukraine, where the Arizona Democrat and former Navy pilot underscored the need to support the country in its war against Russia. Musk’s reckless accusation isn’t just a personal attack—it’s a stark illustration of how far decorum has fallen in this administration and a troubling sign of what happens when unelected figures like Musk wield unchecked power in government.

The Incident: From Ukraine to “Traitor”

Senator Mark Kelly, a decorated veteran and astronaut, has been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine, making his third trip to the country since the war began in 2022. During his latest visit, he met with Ukrainian leaders and wounded soldiers, later posting on X about the importance of protecting Ukraine’s security in any resolution to the conflict. “Everyone wants this war to end,” Kelly wrote, “but any agreement has to protect Ukraine’s security and can’t be a giveaway to Putin.” His stance reflects a commitment to defending freedom—a principle he’s upheld through decades of public service.

“go back to building rockets.”

Musk’s response was as brief as it was inflammatory: “You are a traitor.” The baseless charge against a man who has risked his life for his country sparked immediate backlash. Kelly hit back on X, saying, “Traitor? Elon, if you don’t understand that defending freedom is a basic tenet of what makes America great and keeps us safe, maybe you should leave it to those of us who do.” He later told reporters that Musk is “not a serious guy” and should “go back to building rockets.” The exchange laid bare the chasm between a public servant grounded in duty and a billionaire seemingly unbound by responsibility.

Unelected and Unaccountable: Musk’s Dangerous Influence

No one elected Elon Musk to his role in the Trump administration, yet his position as head of DOGE gives him outsized influence over government policy and public discourse. Tasked with slashing federal programs, Musk has already drawn criticism for policies that threaten the livelihoods of federal workers and veterans. But it’s his penchant for outrageous statements—like calling a senator a traitor on a whim—that reveals the real danger of his role. Musk isn’t just a private citizen with a big platform; he’s a government insider whose words carry the weight of officialdom, whether he’s accountable to the public or not.

This isn’t Musk’s first foray into controversy. He has a well-documented history of picking fights with political figures who challenge him or the administration’s agenda. His attack on Kelly fits a pattern of behavior that thrives on provocation rather than reason. That someone so embedded in the government can make such outlandish remarks without consequence is a damning indictment of the administration’s priorities. Musk’s outburst isn’t just a breach of decorum—it’s a power play, enabled by a system that refuses to hold him to account.

Decorum in Shambles: The Administration’s New Normal

Where has all the decorum gone in this administration? The answer is painfully clear: it’s been replaced by a culture of chaos and confrontation. Under Trump, officials routinely trade civility for inflammatory rhetoric, facing no repercussions for their words. Musk’s attack on Kelly is a symptom of this broader collapse—a government where personal insults have supplanted substantive debate. The Trump administration’s pivot away from supporting Ukraine, pausing military aid and pushing for a Russia-friendly peace deal, only amplifies the stakes. Kelly’s advocacy for Ukraine challenged that shift, and Musk’s response was less an argument than a tantrum.

The fallout has been telling. Republican Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska, a retired Air Force general, called Musk’s remark “not decent” and said it “reflects bad on the White House.” Public reaction on X has been equally scathing, with users branding Musk a “traitor” and demanding his ouster. Yet within the administration, silence reigns. This isn’t just a failure of decorum—it’s a failure of leadership, leaving the public to wonder how low the bar can sink.

Who Will Rein in Musk?

So, who the hell needs to reel Musk in on the Republican side? In a functioning government, senior party leaders or Trump’s inner circle would step up to curb such reckless behavior. Figures like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell or House Speaker Mike Johnson could, in theory, call Musk out and demand accountability. But reality paints a bleaker picture. Musk’s close alliance with Trump and his pivotal role in the administration make him untouchable. The same Republicans who might once have prized decorum now either cheer him on or look the other way, leaving Musk free to act as a one-man wrecking ball.

This lack of oversight sets a dangerous precedent. If a figure like Musk—unelected, unaccountable, and unapologetic—can lob accusations of treason without pushback, what’s to stop others in the administration from following suit? The absence of anyone willing or able to rein him in exposes a Republican Party more interested in power than principle.

A Call for Accountability

Musk’s comments about Senator Kelly being a traitor aren’t just an embarrassment—they’re a warning. No person in his position should be allowed to make such wild accusations on a whim, especially not someone tied to the government. The erosion of decorum in this administration has reached a breaking point, and Musk’s outburst is the latest proof. Until someone on the Republican side—be it Trump, party leaders, or a rare voice of conscience—steps up to check him, Musk will keep pushing the boundaries of what’s acceptable. The question isn’t just who will rein him in, but whether this administration even sees the need to try. For the sake of democracy, they damn well should.