Elon Musk Goes Global With His Playbook for Political Influence

Elon Musk is expanding his political influence globally, using social media to support far-right leaders. His actions have drawn criticism from liberal figures, while concerns grow about his involvement in foreign politics. As Musk potentially plans financial support for conservative parties, the implications of his influence could reshape the political landscape in several nations.

In the first days of 2025, Elon Musk has shaken things up during a whirlwind of political activity, using his platform on X to amplify his influence. He connected with his impressive following of 210 million, echoing controversial sentiments and engaging with far-right politicians. One post, which cited politician Rupert Lowe of Reform UK discussing rape gang victims, raised eyebrows. Lowe lamented, “Victims, past and present, don’t need ‘thoughts and prayers’ from politicians, they need justice. We will fight for that in Parliament.”

Musk extended his international reach, praising Canadian Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and revealing plans for a live-stream with Alice Weidel from Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany party. This move aligns with Musk’s past endeavors, where he was a key player in U.S. politics, backing Donald Trump and fueling the Republican campaign during the 2024 elections. His influence has seemingly increased, and as elections loom, his voice resonates louder than before.

However, liberal leaders are becoming uneasy about Musk’s penchant for sensationalism and his support for right-wing, often extreme figures. British Health Minister Andrew Gwynne pointed out that Musk, as an American, should focus on domestic issues rather than meddling across the Atlantic, emphasizing that there’s already been significant investigation into child exploitation cases in the UK.

Drawing attention to a series of scandals involving child exploitation in Britain, Musk’s spotlight on Reform UK has met with political backlash. A 2022 review disclosed severe lapses by local government agencies in protecting children, particularly in Oldham. These historical cases, while old, have resurfaced with accusations that the ruling Labour Party failed to act sufficiently. Gwynne noted, “Had Elon Musk really paid attention to what’s been going on in this country, he might have recognized that there’ve already been inquiries.”

Musk’s activism has stirred speculation about potential financial support for conservative politicians worldwide, hinting at a planned donation to Reform UK. His December meeting with Farage at Mar-a-Lago raised eyebrows, as discussions about a potential $100 million contribution emerged. Musk himself seemed hesitant, expressing concerns about the legality of such deals.

An echo of Musk’s past missteps resonates with accusations regarding his support for controversial figures like Tommy Robinson. Robinson, tied to racial tensions in Britain, recently faced imprisonment for making inflammatory claims that led to unrest. Musk’s endorsement of Robinson and his writings, such as an editorial for a German newspaper, drew the ire of Germany’s government, which claims he’s meddling with its elections.

His social media reach is extensive, and critics allege he is inserting chaos into other countries’ politics. In the U.S., Musk’s controversial actions have sparked outcry, with some critics branding him a “shadow president.” Until late last year, he exerted pressure on House Republicans and used X to disrupt bipartisan negotiations regarding government funding.

Despite his commitments abroad, Musk remains deeply enmeshed in U.S. issues. His visibility increased at New Year’s celebrations at Mar-a-Lago, where he mingled with Trump and even tweeted in support of Speaker Mike Johnson. Moreover, he’s involved in ongoing investigations, including a Cybertruck explosion linked to Trump’s hotel in Las Vegas.

Musk’s interaction on international political fronts raises questions about potential cross-border influence as he pursues interests that often align with Trump’s agenda. This week, he shared news on Britain’s Online Safety Act, expressing relief over Trump’s return to power. The act aims to protect children from harmful online content, an area where Musk might see both business implications and political advantage.

As this political saga unfolds, Musk’s presence casts a long shadow on the political landscape. The potential consequences of his actions could reshape not only national politics but also influence the global stage as he navigates through alliances and interests related to his business ventures.

The coming weeks seem critical as Musk continues to flex his influence on both sides of the Atlantic, leading many to speculate about the true extent of his political ambitions and interventions in the years ahead.

Elon Musk’s recent social media activity signifies a bold expansion into global political influence, reminiscent of his approach in the U.S. He continues to rally behind far-right politicians, drawing both attention and criticism. Leaders in countries like the UK and Germany express concern over his involvement, while Musk’s financial clout raises questions about his motivations. The interplay of his business interests and political ventures could have significant ramifications both at home and abroad.

Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com