Elon Musk, the world’s richest person and close ally of US President-elect Donald Trump, has inserted himself into the center of Western political conversation in a number of controversial moves over the past few weeks. Using his social media platform X to criticize European politicians and help far-right movements, he has used his social media platform X to use his influence on the world’s richest person and far-right movements.
Driving the announcement
Musk has launched a storm of burning posts targeting Western leaders, backing far-right events, and questioning political processes.
In Germany, Musk’s endorsement of the far-right Alternative for Germany ( AfD ) party ahead of a crucial February snap election has drawn widespread condemnation. The AfD, frequently criticized for its anti-immigration approach and ties to fundamentalist motions, has been declared half extremist by Germany’s brains agency. Mußk went so far as to say that the AfD is” the next spark of hope for this land.”
However, in the UK, Musk has stirred controversy by accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer of complicity in ancient child abuse cases during his career as chief counsel, labeling him “despicable” and calling for his prison. Musk’s articles have dominated headlines, forcing Starmer to redirect from scheme discussions to support his report.
Why it concerns
- Musk’s social media interventions are reshaping Europe’s political discussion, boosting fringe narratives, and presenting a striking example of how it moguls may possess worldwide influence. His actions raise questions about the intersection of wealth, technology, and democracy.
- Disrupting elections: Musk’s endorsement of far-right parties and criticism of European leaders could energize fringe movements, threatening to destabilize already fragile political systems. In Germany, his intervention comes as AfD gains momentum, polling strongly in a country grappling with economic challenges and political discontent.
- Diplomatic tensions: European leaders are trying to strike a balance between Musk’s criticism and the need to work with Trump’s incoming administration. In front of the general public, Musk runs the risk of provoking additional attacks and putting in jeopardizing US-EU relations.
- According to a CNN report, Musk’s attacks on foreign elected officials could be seen as an attempt by the incoming US administration to meddle in the politics of allies democracies. His actions raise questions about whether he is acting in a way that is in line with Trump’s intentions, acting as a disruptive force in line with his objectives, or possibly stifling tensions with the president-elect as he formulates his global agenda.
- Trump’s tolerance for Musk’s violent attacks on allies suggests that the months to come may be even more turbulent for America’s allies than they were during his first term. When Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, announced his resignation on Monday, this dynamic started to develop. Trump’s threat of a 25 % tariff, according to the CNN report, deepened the political crisis in Ottawa and likely accelerated the departure of a leader Trump mockingly referred to as the “governor” of America’s 51st state, even though Trudeau had already lost the confidence of Canadians and his Liberal Party.
- Regulatory implications: Musk’s provocations are testing Europe’s ability to enforce its strict regulatory framework on digital platforms, including the Digital Services Act, which aims to curb misinformation and extremist content.
He’s not just some troll. He’s the world’s richest man, owns some of the globe’s most strategic and influential businesses, and is wielding a mighty social media network. Musk is highlighting his enormous influence as a populist force that mobilizes political provocateurs as a kind of one-man supranational non-state power.
An article in CNN
Zoom in: Musk’s influence on German politics
Musk’s actions represent a new era of political and diplomatic friction, where technology magnates increasingly blur the lines between personal ideology, corporate interests, and global influence.
Musk’s support for the AfD, including hosting a livestream with its co-chair Alice Weidel and writing an op-ed praising the party, has alarmed German leaders. His posts, which reach over 200 million followers, amplify the AfD’s anti-immigration and Eurosceptic platform.
Musk’s endorsement is seen as a game-changer by AfD officials, who believe his global stature could legitimize their movement. Leif-Erik Holm, a senior AfD lawmaker, welcomed Musk’s intervention as a counter to “negative campaigns” against the party.
However, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has faced personal attacks from Musk, described the billionaire’s backing of AfD as “worrying” and accused him of undermining transatlantic ties. Green Party leader Robert Habeck added,” Hands off our democracy, Mr Musk”!
Musk’s UK interventions
On his social media platform X, Musk has posted a number of provocative posts over the past week, including ones calling for the release of right-wing activist Tommy Robinson and Prime Minister Keir Starmer to jail.
In a surprising turn, Musk also called for Nigel Farage, a former ally and Trump confidant, to be replaced as leader of the Reform UK party.
He went even further on Monday by posting a question on his profile asking followers to vote on whether” America should liberate the British people from their tyrannical government.”
Starmer, who largely avoided naming Musk during press briefings, focused instead on the broader issue of far-right misinformation. ” When the poison of the far-right leads to threats, a line has been crossed”, Starmer said.
Musk’s involvement has also exposed divisions within British politics. Some Conservative politicians, including leader Kemi Badenoch, have echoed Musk’s calls for a new inquiry into the abuse cases, amplifying the issue for political gain.
What they’re saying
- Jonas Gahr Store, Norwegian Prime Minister:” This is not how things should be between democracies and allies. His interventions are deeply concerning because of Musky’s wealth and access to social media.
- Robert Habeck, German Vice Chancellor:” The combination of wealth, control over information, and willingness to ignore rules is a frontal attack on democracy”.
- Jess Phillips, UK minister:” Those cheerleading Tommy Robinson are trying to get a vicarious thrill from street violence”.
- ” Will Musk be carrying out Trump’s foreign policy agenda, acting as a personal ambassador of Trump to everywhere”? The German Marshall Fund’s managing director and senior fellow, Lindsey Gorman, stated to CNN. Or will Musk be making progress toward his own, perhaps conciliatory position on global affairs? What will the power dynamics between those two then be?””
- According to José Ignacio Torreblanca of the European Council on Foreign Relations,” Musk sees himself as a savior of democracy in the US.” He now wants to expand that mission to Europe.
- France’s Emmanuel Macron has echoed these concerns. Macron criticized” the owner of one of the largest social networks in the world” for supporting” a new international reactionary movement” and intervening in democratic elections, omitted Musk from the list.
The challenges of curbing Musk’s influence
Despite his vast reach, Musk’s interventions are not without limits. In the UK, a YouGov poll shows only 26 % of Britons view Musk favorably. His platform, X, has also seen a decline in European users, with a drop of 5 million active accounts over the past year.
Under the Digital Services Act, EU regulators are now considering expanding their investigations into X. Thomas Regnier, a spokesperson for the European Commission, warned that Musk’s livestream with AfD leaders could violate EU laws. ” Freedom of expression has limits”, Regnier said, adding that the platform could face fines of up to 6 % of global revenue.
What’s next
Under Trump’s leadership, leaders in Europe are looking into ways to counteract Musk’s influence while maintaining their ties to the US.
Regulatory push: The EU is intensifying its scrutiny of X under its new digital regulations. The potential conflict between Musk and European regulators might serve as the foundation for upcoming tech governance.
Public backlash: Musk’s actions could galvanize European voters against the far-right, as mainstream parties frame his interventions as external meddling.
Long-term implications: Musk’s entanglement in European politics could encourage other tech magnates to follow suit, raising urgent questions about the role of private power in public affairs.
( With inputs from agencies )
