Democrats’ freakout over Musk shows they don’t know how prosperity is created

Published June 16, 2026 5:00am ET



Businessman Elon Musk became the world’s first trillionaire last Friday, after his company SpaceX raised $75 billion through an initial public offering on Nasdaq, a price that placed SpaceX’s valuation at $2.1 trillion. The IPO also made millionaires of over 4,000 current and former SpaceX employees, facts which most Americans celebrated.

But not Democrats. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) said the moment “needs to be a wake-up call,” claiming that Musk’s wealth is “a feature of a rigged economy.” Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner went even further, posting on social media that, “Elon Musk just became the world’s first trillionaire. Let’s make sure he’s also the last.”

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.