Elon Musk, the billionaire behind Tesla and SpaceX, isn’t just changing the world of technology. Lately, he’s been making waves in global politics too, using his wealth and massive social media following to support right-wing leaders and parties across the globe.
After helping Donald Trump’s 2020 campaign with his fortune and millions of followers on X (formerly Twitter), Musk’s attention has shifted to Europe. He’s backing populist movements in countries like the UK and Germany, and his support is stirring up quite a bit of controversy.
Musk’s UK Move: Reform UK
Musk made headlines this week by urging his followers to “Vote Reform,” a British party led by Nigel Farage. If you remember, Farage played a major role in pushing the UK’s 2016 Brexit vote. Musk met Farage at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, where Farage said Musk was “fully behind us” and even open to donating to Reform UK if the law allowed it. Farage went as far as calling Musk a “bloody hero” for his support.
Musk’s criticism of the UK’s current leadership, especially Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has been loud and clear. He’s called Britain a “tyrannical police state,” and even suggested the country is on the brink of civil war. His comments on social media have sparked debates, but they’ve also gained a lot of attention.
Backing Far-Right AfD in Germany
Musk’s influence isn’t stopping there. He’s also been backing Germany’s far-right party, the Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is known for its hard stance on immigration and a desire to deport migrants. The AfD has gained traction in recent years and is expected to do well in upcoming elections.
Musk recently published an opinion piece in a German newspaper, claiming that years of failed policies have caused “economic stagnation, social unrest, and the erosion of national identity” in Germany. He said the AfD was the “last spark of hope” for the country, and he defended his views by pointing to his significant investments in Germany, including the Tesla Gigafactory in Berlin.
Political Backlash
Musk’s political involvement in Europe hasn’t gone unnoticed. In Germany, government officials have accused him of trying to interfere in their elections, while others, like Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union, have called his support for the AfD “intrusive and pretentious.” Some have even suggested that Musk’s backing of far-right groups could be part of a broader effort to weaken Europe’s political systems and regulations.
Interestingly, many of Musk’s businesses in Europe—like Tesla—could benefit from relaxed regulations and reduced oversight, especially when it comes to things like self-driving cars. However, his support for parties like the AfD and Reform UK could backfire, as both parties have policies that might actually hurt Tesla’s interests. For instance, the AfD opposes the expansion of Tesla’s German factory, and Reform UK wants to reverse plans to ban gas and diesel cars, which could hurt the future of electric vehicles.
Musk’s Relationships with Right-Wing Leaders
Beyond the UK and Germany, Musk has also been vocal in his support of Italy’s right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. In a tweet, Musk called her a “precious genius” and praised her values. Meloni leads the Brothers of Italy party, known for its stance on immigration and traditional values, and has been described as one of Italy’s most right-wing leaders in modern times.
What Does Musk Have to Gain?
It’s unclear exactly what Musk stands to gain from backing these far-right groups. While parties like the AfD and Reform UK are unlikely to form governments anytime soon, Musk’s involvement has certainly brought them a lot of attention. The tech billionaire’s influence could shape the political landscape, even if it doesn’t lead to immediate changes in government.
It seems Musk is betting on a world where conservative, populist politics will rise, and he’s not afraid to use his platform and wealth to try to make that happen. What’s next for Musk and his political influence? Only time will tell. But for now, his support is sure to keep sparking debate across the globe.
