Steve Wozniak Criticizes Big Tech’s Influence on Politics
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has voiced his concerns over the growing influence of major tech figures in U.S. politics, singling out Elon Musk for playing an outsized role in public affairs.
Speaking at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Wozniak shared his unease about the power that large technology companies now hold.
“Big Tech has grown so massive that it feels like they’re running our lives,” he remarked. “I understand that companies of this size inevitably get involved in politics, but taking a direct role? That’s where I draw the line.”
While many tech leaders have aligned themselves with former President Donald Trump, including PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel, Wozniak reserved his strongest criticism for Musk.
As the head of Tesla, SpaceX, and the social platform X, Musk has been deeply involved in shaping policies and government actions. He also leads the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has pushed for drastic cuts in federal programs.
Wozniak believes that business and politics require very different skill sets. “Running a government like a business doesn’t make sense,” he explained. “Businesses thrive on negotiation and compromise. I don’t see that approach in Musk’s leadership—he tends to wipe the slate clean and start over.”
His remarks reflect ongoing debates about the role of tech moguls in shaping policies that impact millions. As these figures continue to gain political clout, the conversation about their influence is far from over.
