Elon Musk vs the World: Is Tesla CEO leveraging his political influence to further personal interests?

In just the first three days of 2025, Musk unleashed a barrage of provocative posts on his X account.

In the times where political power increasingly intersects with technological dominance, Elon Musk is rewriting the rulebook. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO has long been known for his disruptive ventures in technology and space exploration. Yet in 2025, Musk is carving out a new role — as a controversial, one-man supranational political force.

From inflammatory social media posts targeting world leaders to endorsements of far-right political figures, Musk’s actions have raised global alarms. His alignment with President-elect Donald Trump has only amplified his clout. This partnership not only positions Musk as a pivotal player in US politics but also projects his influence onto the global stage.

Musk’s global provocations

In just the first three days of 2025, Musk unleashed a barrage of provocative posts on his X account. Among them were calls for British King Charles III to dissolve Parliament and fresh elections, alongside scathing criticisms of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Musk accused Starmer of mishandling long-standing child exploitation scandals.

“Prison for Starmer,” he posted on X.

Prison for Starmer https://t.co/6RxIyGnYkG

Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 6, 2025

Moreover, Musk also shared a poll on X asking his 211.6 million followers whether America “should liberate the people of Britain from their tyrannical government”.

America should liberate the people of Britain from their tyrannical government Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 9, 2025

He also praised Canada’s Conservative Party leader, Pierre Poilievre and announced plans to live-stream a conversation with Alice Weidel, the chancellor candidate of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

https://t.co/wEGXEhT4ue

Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 9, 2025

Germany has been particularly vocal in its criticism of Musk’s interventions. The government accused him of meddling in its upcoming elections after he penned an opinion piece in a German newspaper endorsing the AfD. The party, classified as a suspected extremist organisation by German intelligence, has leveraged Musk’s support to amplify its platform.

According to Vanity Fair, he has referred to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz as an "oaf" who "will lose". Musk has claimed that the AfD is the only party that can "save Germany."

In response, Scholz stated he remains "cool" despite Musk's personal attacks but expressed deeper concern over Musk's support for the AfD. Scholz described the party as "in parts right-wing extremist", noting its advocacy for closer ties with Putin’s Russia and its stance on weakening transatlantic relations as "much more worrying".

The Trump connection

Musk’s escalating influence cannot be disentangled from his close relationship with Donald Trump. As Trump prepares to re-enter the White House, Musk’s position as a top adviser — including heading the Department of Government Efficiency — blurs the line between his private ventures and US foreign policy.

This dynamic is unprecedented. Musk’s businesses, including Tesla and SpaceX, hold strategic importance in sectors like energy, transportation and defense. His dual role as a tech magnate and de facto government insider raises concerns about conflicts of interest, particularly as he wades into foreign politics.

Musk’s alignment with Trump also affords him protection against backlash. European leaders face a delicate dilemma: how to criticise Musk without straining their relationships with Trump’s administration. Musk’s provocations, from endorsing far-right figures to amplifying contentious narratives, are increasingly seen as a proxy for US interference in sovereign democracies.

Far-right endorsements and global impact

Musk’s promotion of far-right movements is not confined to social media rhetoric. In December 2024, he reportedly discussed a potential $100 million donation to Reform UK, a British right-wing populist party, during a meeting with its leader Nigel Farage at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. While Musk later denied committing to such a donation to US news outlet Axios.

His support for far-right figures extends to controversial personalities like Tommy Robinson, a British activist known for his anti-Islam rhetoric. Musk’s call for Robinson’s release from prison, where he was serving a sentence for libel, drew sharp rebukes from human rights advocates.

These actions are not without consequence. Liberal leaders in Europe and Canada have expressed concerns about Musk’s influence, fearing that his interventions could destabilise political systems and embolden extremist elements.

Musk’s business interests and political calculations

While Musk’s ideological leanings may align with populist and far-right movements, his actions are also strategic. By supporting politicians who advocate deregulation and lower taxes, Musk ensures a favorable environment for his business ventures.

For instance, his endorsement of AfD in Germany coincides with the party’s push for reduced government oversight — a stance that apparently aligns with Musk’s interests in expanding Tesla’s footprint in Europe. Similarly, his ties to Trump bolster SpaceX’s prospects for lucrative government contracts.

Critics argue that Musk’s interventions are less about ideology and more about consolidating power. His ability to wield his vast wealth and social media platform as tools of influence positions him as a uniquely disruptive force in global politics.

Risks of a “shadow Presidency”

Musk’s growing influence has drawn comparisons to a “shadow presidency”, with some critics accusing him of undermining democratic norms. In December 2024, Musk used his X account to pressure House Republicans into rejecting a bipartisan government funding deal, triggering a near-shutdown of the US government.

As Musk extends this approach to international politics, the stakes are even higher. His inflammatory posts and endorsements risk inflaming tensions between nations, particularly as his actions are often viewed as proxies for Trump’s administration.

The challenges ahead are profound. For allies like Britain, Canada and Germany, rebuking Musk risks alienating the US government. Yet failing to counter his influence could embolden far-right movements and destabilise democratic institutions. While his actions may be driven by personal and business interests, their implications extend far beyond his immediate objectives.