By Rick LaRivière and Richard Luthmann
In the latest episode of The Unknown Podcast, investigative reporters Michael Volpe and Richard Luthmann unpacked Elon Musk’s growing role as a global power broker. Volpe called Musk “the populist oligarch,” likening him to figures like Henry Ford and John D. Rockefeller, but insisted, “He’s changing the game even on them.”
Luthmann agreed, arguing Musk had refined the ancient concept of the "camarilla," or inner circle of influence.
“Imagine the yellow portion of the Spanish court's throne room,” Luthmann said. “Musk isn’t just in it—he’s the gatekeeper.”
Musk as the Populist Oligarch
Volpe described Musk as “angling to have influence in governments throughout the world,” citing his alliances with leaders like Argentina’s Javier Milei and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni. The hosts highlighted Musk's unprecedented intervention in Germany, where he platformed the far-right AfD party via a live Twitter event.
“Musk backed AfD, the most hardline anti-immigration party in Germany,” Volpe noted. “But does he know they also want to leave NATO and the Eurozone? If you back someone on one issue without understanding the rest, you risk trouble.”
Luthmann compared Musk’s approach to the broad coalition tactics in U.S. politics. “You can fit Musk, Trump, and Bobby Kennedy in the same tent because there’s 75-80% consensus,” he said.
Controversy in the UK and Beyond
The discussion shifted to the United Kingdom, where Musk amplified outrage over grooming gangs tied to systemic failures in multiculturalism. Volpe read victim Sammy Woodhouse’s chilling testimony about her rapist being allowed on a foster care vacation: “This highlights the failure of social services to protect children,” Volpe said.
“Musk has honed in on an underreported issue, but his support of provocateurs like Tommy Robinson could backfire,” Volpe cautioned. “Robinson has a rap sheet and operates as a provocateur. Aligning with him is risky.”
Luthmann added, “Musk’s influence is unique. He’s beyond an entrepreneur or Renaissance man—he’s shaping humanity’s trajectory.”
The Camarilla Redefined
Luthmann introduced the idea of Musk refining the "camarilla," the elite inner circle of power in medieval Spain. “In the Spanish court, standing in the yellow part of the floor made you influential. Musk is beyond that—he’s remaking the court,” Luthmann said.
The hosts explored Musk’s deep ties to Donald Trump and his political machine. “He was all-in for Trump, spending a million dollars a day registering voters in Pennsylvania,” Luthmann claimed.
Volpe noted how Musk’s open political stances defy traditional business logic. “Michael Jordan famously said, ‘Republicans buy shoes too.’ Musk doesn’t care—he’s polarizing, but Tesla’s stock remains unaffected.”
Global Risks and the Future
Despite Musk’s successes, Volpe warned of potential backlash. “At some point, populations might reject Musk meddling in their politics,” he said. “The Germans could say, ‘Who are you to tell us what’s right?’”
Luthmann acknowledged the risk but emphasized Musk’s unparalleled global role. “A quarter of humanity’s advancements come from Musk’s influence,” he said. “No other leader can claim that.”
The hosts marveled at Musk’s ability to drive headlines and reshape narratives.
“He’s breaking things globally,” Volpe said. “We’ve never seen anything like it.”
Musk’s World Order
Volpe and Luthmann agreed that Musk is a historic figure, unparalleled in ambition and impact. As Volpe summarized, “Musk is a first-of-his-kind entrepreneur, influencing not just industries but global policies.”
Luthmann put it simply: “Musk isn’t just part of the Camarilla—he’s the architect of the new global order.”
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