Wikipedia co-founder Larry Sanger has called on Elon Musk to look into whether U.S. government agencies have been involved in editing or influencing content on the online encyclopedia. In a post on X, Sanger questioned whether federal employees were being paid to “edit, monitor, update, or lobby” on Wikipedia and suggested that such efforts, if they exist, should be defunded.
“If there are none, we’d like to know,” he added, seeking transparency on potential government involvement.
His request aligns with Musk’s previous criticisms of Wikipedia, where he has repeatedly accused the platform of bias and control by left-leaning activists.
Musk’s Government Efficiency Role
Sanger’s appeal comes as Musk leads the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative designed to cut unnecessary federal spending. With this position, Musk has the authority to investigate whether taxpayer money is being used to influence Wikipedia’s content.
The call for scrutiny raises concerns over the extent to which government entities may be shaping narratives on the widely used platform.
Sanger’s Appeal to Trump
Beyond reaching out to Musk, Sanger also urged former U.S. President Donald Trump to take action. In another post, he suggested Trump should issue an executive order barring federal employees from using government resources to edit Wikipedia.
Sanger, who has openly shared his conservative views, said he voted for Trump and has long criticized Wikipedia’s editorial direction. He has claimed that the platform has gradually become a tool for “leftist propaganda,” despite originally being built on a neutrality policy.
Allegations of Wikipedia Bias
Sanger, who co-founded Wikipedia with Jimmy Wales in 2001, has often expressed concerns about its editorial standards. He argues that the site has drifted toward mainstream media narratives while removing conservative news sources from its citations.
In an interview with The Epoch Times, a conservative-leaning outlet, Sanger claimed Wikipedia has systematically excluded viewpoints that challenge prevailing media narratives.
Musk amplified Sanger’s concerns, sharing the interview on X and commenting, “Don’t take it from me—take it from the co-founder of Wikipedia.”
Musk’s Long-Standing Criticism of Wikipedia
Musk has been one of Wikipedia’s most vocal critics, often accusing it of being controlled by far-left activists. He has discouraged people from donating to the platform, claiming its editorial decisions are politically motivated.
At one point, Musk even joked about Wikipedia’s credibility, offering a $1 billion donation if the platform agreed to rename itself “Dickipedia” for at least a year.
In October last year, he referenced a report by Pirate Wires, a U.S.-based news site, which claimed that a group of 40 Wikipedia editors had worked to undermine Israel’s legitimacy while portraying radical Islamist groups favorably. The report alleged that these efforts intensified after the October 7 attack.
Musk responded by saying, “Wikipedia is controlled by far-left activists. People should stop donating to them.”
The Bigger Debate on Wikipedia’s Neutrality
Sanger’s request adds to the ongoing debate about Wikipedia’s objectivity and potential external influence. If Musk decides to investigate and uncovers evidence of government employees editing Wikipedia for political purposes, it could lead to major policy discussions on transparency and taxpayer-funded online activity.
With Musk’s focus on cutting federal spending, any findings could lead to greater scrutiny over how government funds are used in shaping public information. However, whether Musk will take action on Sanger’s request remains to be seen.
