Trump and Musk’s $700 Billion Start-up Con

A Nation at a Crossroads

On this day Easter Sunday, on the resurection of Jesus Christ. I come to you with a heavy heart to discuss a matter that weighs on the soul of our nation. We find ourselves in times where the ancient sin of greed manifests in modern forms, where the hoarding of resources by the powerful few threatens the prosperity of the many.

The SmartPay Program and Concentrated Power

Let us speak plainly about what we’re witnessing: a $700 billion federal program called SmartPay — money that belongs to you, the people is being funneled toward a startup called Ramp, connected to those already wealthy beyond measure. President Trump and Elon Musk, two men positioned at the pinnacle of worldly power, appear determined to reshape government spending in ways that benefit them and their inner circle.

The Good Book teaches us, “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” We see this truth unfolding before our eyes. This is not about politics alone, it’s about the spiritual affliction of greed that knows no party.

The Network of Influence

Consider how Ramp, backed by investors tied to Trump and Musk, stands poised to oversee this massive government program. Their connections to figures like Peter Thiel and Jared Kushner reveal the troubling intersection of political power and financial gain. Is this not the “good old boy network” in modern form? An exclusive circle that passes wealth among themselves while claiming to serve the public good?

The Myth of the Golden Age

My brothers and sisters, we must recognize this pattern that has persisted since what some call “the golden age of America.” But I ask you, golden for whom? Not for the workers whose labor built this nation. Not for those systematically excluded from opportunity.

Dismantling Pathways to Dignity

And now we witness the dismantling of pathways to dignity. The Department of Government Efficiency, led by Mr. Musk, has implemented cuts that disproportionately impact African Americans, who make up 18.2% of the federal workforce while representing 12.6% of the general population. These are not just statistics — these are families, communities, dreams deferred.

Federal employment has historically provided stable, dignified work for Black Americans when the private sector closed its doors. Now these opportunities are being stripped away, not through any fault of these dedicated public servants, but through policies that protect the privileged few.

Government Funding and Corporate Gain

Meanwhile, Musk’s companies have received billions in government funding; over $17 billion from NASA alone, $11.4 billion in regulatory credits for Tesla, a $465 million federal loan, and countless tax incentives. Now, his SpaceX stands to gain more through the proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system.

Is this not the modern golden calf that we worship? The glittering promise of wealth and technology that blinds us to the suffering of our neighbors.

A Deeper Spiritual Crisis

My friends, we cannot blame just one or two individuals. President Trump and Mr. Musk are symptoms of a deeper spiritual crisis; a system that rewards the accumulation of wealth and power without regard for the common good. As I’ve often said, the sin lies not in wealth itself but in wealth hoarded, in resources concentrated in the hands of the vindictive and merciless.

Scripture reminds us: “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” Let us hold our leaders accountable to this standard.

Beyond Partisan Divides

This is not about partisan politics. Both parties have perpetuated systems of inequality. The strategy of pitting working-class Americans against immigrants didn’t begin with any single administration, it’s an old tactic to distract us from looking upward at those who truly control our economy.

A Call for Intergenerational Solidarity

To my Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X, and Baby Boomer brothers and sisters, we all stand to lose when the principles of fairness and opportunity are sacrificed at the altar of greed. The uncertain future facing the youngest generations should concern us all.

The Path Forward

What is the remedy? First, awareness. We must see clearly what is happening. Second, solidarity, we must stand together across generations, across races, across political divides don’t expect either party to save us. And finally, we must demand transparency and equity in how our tax dollars are spent.

Conclusion: Justice, Mercy, and Humility

Lastly, I remind you of the prophet Micah’s words: “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Justice demands that government contracts serve the people, not enrich the already wealthy. Mercy requires that we care for those marginalized and displaced. And humility calls us to recognize that even the mightiest among us is answerable to a higher power.

May we find the courage to speak this truth to power, and the wisdom to build a more equitable society for all God’s children.

In faith and solidarity ~Balance Due