Why is Elon Musk’s ‘Gitmo on a donkey’ post going viral after US captures Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro?

Musk post resurfaces after Maduro arrest

A two-year-old social media post by tech billionaire Elon Musk has resurfaced online following dramatic developments in Venezuela, drawing renewed attention after the United States captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, First Lady Cilia Flores, in a military operation on January 3.

In August 2024, Musk posted a provocative message on X reacting to a video that allegedly claimed Maduro had issued direct instructions to his security forces to keep Musk out of Venezuela. “I’m coming for you Maduro! I will carry you to Gitmo on a donkey,” Musk wrote at the time. The post has since gone viral again, with users linking it to the latest US intervention and Maduro’s detention.

I’m coming for you Maduro! I will carry you to Gitmo on a donkey https://t.co/RB5qltxsYI

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 1, 2024

Following the operation, the resurfaced post sparked a flood of online reactions. One user commented, “Time to take Maduro to Gitmo on a donkey, Elon,” while another wrote, “Promises made, promises kept.” Social media platforms were also flooded with AI-generated images and videos depicting Musk riding a donkey alongside the Venezuelan leader, adding to the viral moment.

Musk has since openly backed US President Donald Trump over the Venezuela operation. After Trump shared the first image of Maduro in detention aboard the USS Iwo Jima, Musk reposted it, writing, “Congratulations, President Trump! This is a win for the world and a clear message to evil dictators everywhere.”

Congratulations, President Trump!This is a win for the world and a clear message to evil dictators everywhere. https://t.co/GRI0XOxQFU

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 3, 2026

The billionaire has continued to voice support for the White House in subsequent posts, amplifying pro-Trump messaging around the operation. In one post, Musk wrote, “It is heartwarming to see so many Venezuelans celebrating their country freed from a brutal tyrant.”

The renewed spotlight on Musk’s earlier remarks underscores how past statements by high-profile figures are being reinterpreted amid the rapidly unfolding political and military events surrounding Venezuela.