I recently posted an article at Millennial about the growing rift between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. My argument is that this is just the latest example in a long trend of billionaires wielding power from a place of personal vendetta, private interest, or other individual motives—often with a wild disregard for the consequences of their actions.
As many have done, I’ve been reflecting on the legacy of Pope Leo XIII, whose teachings have inspired Pope Leo XIV, particularly through the lens of Rerum Novarum. In the encyclical, Pope Leo XIII writes:
“The richer class have many ways of shielding themselves and stand less in need of help from the state, whereas the mass of the poor have no resources of their own to fall back upon and must chiefly depend on the assistance of the state.”
There is a tremendous danger in the illusion of invincibility—when wealth seems limitless and financial resources cushion nearly every misstep. Men like Elon Musk and Donald Trump pose a significant threat simply by their immunity from worldly consequences.
However, I argue that this immunity is illusory—because no one is truly free from the impact of their actions. Every act has spiritual consequences, and wealth and power wielded recklessly can bring profound spiritual poverty. In my article, I explore the danger of spiritual woundedness that accompanies unchecked authority.
There are many ways to challenge reckless power, but from a practical standpoint, accountability is elusive. Both Musk and Trump have shown an immunity to shame, a willingness to take extreme financial risks, and a disregard for traditional incentives. Opponents have tried nearly every conceivable method of holding them accountable, yet real consequences remain difficult to enforce.
So what is to be done? I believe that in these moments, we as Christians are called—even compelled—by the Gospel and the testimony of Scripture to follow the guidance of Psalm 34:
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears and delivers them from their troubles.”
As believers, we must be God’s hands and feet, carrying out His justice. Our first response to combat spiritual poverty and heal spiritual woundedness must be rooted in knowing God, speaking His Word into the world, and shining His light into darkness. Truth must illuminate confusion. My Hope begins in God.
Please take a moment to read my full column here: Elon, Trump, and the Moral Reckoning
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