LONDON − Known as the world’s wealthiest individual, this individual is highly active on social media, consistently sharing his perspectives. He is slated to take on a cost-cutting role in President Donald Trump’s forthcoming administration. Criticizing governments worldwide for policies he opposes and commending far-right figures are common practices for technology magnate Elon Musk. Utilizing his X social media platform recently, Musk has directed a barrage of criticisms and accusations towards political figures in Britain, Germany, and Canada. Although not specifically named, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer remarked in a news conference on Monday that individuals like Musk, who spread false information online, have gone too far. Starmer rebuked them for “spreading lies” resembling the “poison of the far right” and stated that those engaging in such practices “were not interested in victims.” Trump has appointed Musk along with Vivek Ramaswamy to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency. A substantial donor to Trump’s presidential campaign, Musk has spent considerable time with the president at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s residence in Palm Beach, Florida. During a meeting with House Republicans in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 13, 2024, Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk is seen listening as President-elect Donald Trump speaks. In the UK, Musk has advocated for the release of Tommy Robinson, a far-right extremist imprisoned for 18 months in October for spreading libelous claims about a Syrian refugee schoolboy assaulting girls. Musk has also expressed the belief that “America should liberate the people of Britain from their tyrannical government” and accused Starmer of neglecting to address “rape gangs” tied to a series of cases from a decade ago in northern England. In Germany, Musk has lauded the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, criticizing Islam and being accused of downplaying the Holocaust. He claims this party is the nation’s savior, asserting that Germany is on the verge of economic and cultural collapse. In Canada, Musk has derided Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who announced his resignation intention on Monday, as an “insufferable fool” for characterizing Kamala Harris’ loss to Trump as a setback for women’s progress. He has praised Canadian political figure Pierre Poilievre, a Trump-inspired populist who opposes government bureaucracy and inefficiencies and argues that a carbon tax in Canada will result in widespread hunger and malnutrition. Musk’s supporters view him as someone who exposes truth that others, particularly the media, fail to address. He is seen as questioning responsibility for failures and politicians’ inaction.
In an email newsletter on Sunday, regarding the grooming cases in northern England from a decade ago, it was noted that the riots in the UK, sparked by racist posts, could potentially lead to a repeat in the US. Elon Musk has been criticized by some for aligning himself with extreme political figures like Robinson and involving himself in controversial issues without a full understanding of the details or broader context. A report published in 2022 in Britain criticized local police and officials for missed opportunities to prevent abuse in the grooming cases dating back to 2005.
Andrew Gwynne, a health minister in Starmer’s Labour Party government, suggested that Elon Musk, being an American citizen, should focus on issues in the US rather than in the UK. Musk has recently expressed a change of opinion about Nigel Farage, stating that he does not believe Farage is fit to lead the political party. Farage, a close ally of Trump, does not share Musk’s support for Robinson, a jailed far-right activist.
Looking ahead, Musk is preparing to engage in a live discussion with Alice Weidel, who is running for chancellor in Germany’s upcoming snap election. Weidel leads the AfD party, which is under surveillance by German authorities for suspected extremist ties and has faced accusations of xenophobia and antisemitism.
Following Musk’s interactions and statements, European leaders, including France’s President Macron and Norway’s Prime Minister Store, have expressed concerns about Musk’s involvement in international politics and elections. Macron highlighted the worry of a person with significant social media influence and economic power intervening directly in the internal affairs of other nations.
Despite criticism from European leaders, Musk has not publicly responded. The situation has drawn attention and sparked debate over the role and responsibilities of individuals with vast influence like Musk in global politics.
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