Although Michael Steele, who served as the chairman of the Republican National Committee from 2009 to 2011, has moved on to a role as a regular contributor on MSNBC, his recent on-air outburst provides a fascinating glimpse into his political transformation. During the Trump administration, Steele has taken a stance that aligns more with anti-Trump narratives, which has earned him the label of “RINO” from many conservative corners. It wasn’t surprising then to see his latest meltdown concerning Elon Musk and DOGE. Steele’s emotional display hints at a deeper frustration with the current political dynamics, and his stance has many questioning why Republicans experienced setbacks during his RNC leadership. Fox News picked up on this latest incident, further raising eyebrows about Steele’s focus and priorities.
The MSNBC segment saw Steele sharply criticizing Democrats for appearing indifferent to Americans’ struggles, particularly in the face of changing power dynamics with figures like Elon Musk at the helm. Steele exclaimed, “I’d just like you to show that you give a damn! That you get a little emotional about the fact that people are losing their jobs indiscriminately!” His words were meant for form some illusion that DOGE isn’t effectively illuminating government waste.
Steele went on to slam President Donald Trump’s administration, making a somewhat bizarre accusation that Trump had effectively ceded control to power players like Musk, who he alleged were overstepping bounds across various sectors. Steele exclaimed, “They’re in your bedrooms! They’re in your living rooms! They’re in your businesses!” He continued with claims that Musk had pervasive influence, stating, “Elon Musk has his tentacles in everything you’re doing!”
Such rhetoric from Steele is not just impassioned but oddly conspiratorial, especially when examining his claims about Musk’s reach into government agencies like the Treasury, Labor, and Homeland Security Departments. There’s an irony in Steele’s alarmist tones, considering his own leadership tenure when Republicans underperformed in electoral races. Perhaps if Steele had channeled similar vigor when leading the RNC, the results might have been different.
Former RNC Chair Michael Steele suffering from severe TDS:
"[Trump] has given absolute power to one man who brings his son into the Oval Office who says to him, 'You're not the President!'"
"He got it from his daddy!" pic.twitter.com/Lav3N4x29L
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) February 16, 2025
This incident and Steele’s reactions seem to reveal the frustration felt by what some call the “swamp” toward innovative disruptors like Musk, who symbolize a shift away from entrenched power structures. Embodying a blend of entrepreneurial success and futuristic vision, Musk is someone Trump saw as a valuable partner and innovator in pioneering new possibilities for America. It’s a stark contrast to Steele’s apocalyptic warnings, which echo a desperation to retain a grasp on traditional political narratives.
Somone please get this man paper bag.