© 2025 KUNR
Illustration of rolling hills with occasional trees and a radio tower.
Serving Northern Nevada and the Eastern Sierra
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Congress voted to defund public media. Now more than ever, we need your help protecting this vital service.
Learn what you can do to support KUNR today ➡️

Inside Elon Musk's enormous influence in Texas

Elon Musk speaks at the Tesla Giga Texas manufacturing "Cyber Rodeo" grand opening party in Austin, Texas, on April 7, 2022. (Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP via Getty Images)
/
Elon Musk speaks at the Tesla Giga Texas manufacturing "Cyber Rodeo" grand opening party in Austin, Texas, on April 7, 2022. (Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP via Getty Images)

Elon Musk’s political fortunes may have turned in Washington, D.C., but the billionaire still has enormous influence in Austin. Texas legislators have passed a flurry of bills favored by representatives and lobbyists for Musk’s companies.

Here & Now‘s Asma Khalid speaks with Lauren McGaughy, who reported the story for The Texas Newsroom.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

Copyright 2025 WBUR

Here & Now Newsroom