Musk Adviser May Make as Much as $1 Million a Year While Helping to Dismantle Agency that Regulates Tesla and X

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According to ProPublica’s findings from court records and a financial disclosure report, one of Elon Musk’s employees is earning between $100,001 and $1 million annually while serving as a political adviser to Musk and assisting in dismantling the federal agency overseeing two of Musk’s major companies. Ethics experts have raised concerns that Christopher Young’s dual role may breach federal conflict-of-interest regulations. Musk has been vocal about his desire to eliminate the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the agency in question, arguing that it is redundant.

Government ethics regulations prohibit employees from actions that could compromise their impartiality or give the appearance of using their public office for private benefit. Young, working for Musk’s Europa 100 LLC, was reportedly involved in the Trump administration’s efforts to downsize the consumer agency and dismiss most of its staff in early February.

Experts have pointed out the potential conflict of interest in Young’s position, particularly considering the CFPB’s oversight of Musk’s companies, Tesla and X. Musk’s public stance against the bureau, coupled with Young’s ties to his personal and political interests, has raised questions about where Young’s loyalties lie.

Young, a 36-year-old Republican consultant, has a background in political work, including serving as the campaign treasurer for Musk’s political action committee. Before joining Musk’s team, he held positions in various organizations, including the pharmaceutical industry and the Republican National Committee.

Despite Young’s role as a special government employee at the CFPB, he continues to receive a salary from Musk’s company. While Young’s exact responsibilities at Europa 100 are unclear, the company, established in 2020, has been linked to managing Musk’s personal affairs and campaign transactions.

The disclosure of Young’s potential violation of federal standards has drawn attention to other officials at the CFPB and raised concerns about conflicts of interest within the agency. Critics argue that such conflicts may divert officials from serving the public’s interests and instead prioritize personal gain or pleasing their superiors.

The legal battle over the Trump administration’s attempts to downsize the CFPB has brought Young’s role in the agency’s restructuring to light. His involvement in decisions related to staff layoffs and contract cancellations has sparked further scrutiny of his actions and potential conflicts of interest.

As the situation unfolds, questions remain about Young’s commitments and possible violations of ethics regulations, particularly concerning his ties to Musk’s businesses and investments.