Elon Musk Goes Global With His Playbook for Political Influence

In early 2025, Elon Musk leveraged his influence on global politics through rapid posts on X. He amplified controversial figures and issues, indicating plans to financially support conservative politicians in allied nations. His activities have sparked significant criticism for amplifying far-right rhetoric, especially in the UK and Germany, as officials express concern over his influence.

Elon Musk is making headlines yet again, this time by exerting his influence on global politics within just a few days of the new year. In a flurry of tweets to his 210 million followers on X, Musk tackled controversial issues and politicians alike, echoing the tactics he used in the United States last year. His recent activities reflect a strategic move to reshape the political landscape, not just domestically but also internationally.

Among his posts, Musk amplified a message from Rupert Lowe, a member of the UK Parliament. Lowe discussed the need for justice for victims of sexual exploitation, departing from the platitudes often offered by politicians: “Victims, past and present, don’t need ‘thoughts and prayers’ from politicians, they need justice.” This statement and others like it showcase Musk’s penchant for controversial and inflammatory topics, aiming for quick engagement from his audience.

His focus has also turned to Canada, with a nod to Pierre Poilievre, Conservative leader, and plans to live-stream a conversation with Alice Weidel, the chancellor candidate for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany party. It’s clear Musk is positioning himself as a supporter of right-wing politicians across his allies’ landscapes, a move that some experts say demonstrates his expanding geopolitical influence.

Already in 2024, Musk had a substantial impact on U.S. politics, pumping millions into Republican campaigns. Now, with plans potentially including financial backing for conservatives abroad, there’s speculation about the broader implications of his actions. This comes after a dinner with British politician Nigel Farage, where they reportedly discussed significant future monetary contributions to Reform UK—possibly around $100 million.

Musk’s rising influence isn’t without pushback, especially from liberal leaders in places like the UK. Recently, Health Minister Andrew Gwynne pushed back on Musk’s criticisms about Britain’s handling of child exploitation cases. He suggested that Elon would be wise to focus on American issues rather than meddling in British affairs, highlighting an ongoing frustration with Musk’s global enterprising.

Yet Musk continues to amplify far-right figures and movements, raising eyebrows over his support for controversial characters like Tommy Robinson. Critics across the political spectrum are worried that such endorsements may further polarize and radicalize political discourse in sensitive contexts.

The German government is already accusing Musk of attempting to affect their upcoming elections through his public endorsements—specifically of the Alternative for Germany party, which is deemed extremist by local intelligence. Musk’s written endorsements depict this party as the last hope for Germany, a narrative that is attracting serious scrutiny.

Moreover, Musk has recently been in the thick of debates regarding legislative measures like Britain’s Online Safety Act which is set to roll out soon. His engagement with political movements in various countries looks like a test run before more significant initiatives kick off, especially with the backing of former President Trump.

In the meantime, back in the U.S., Musk continues to juggle between critical domestic issues and his global political machinations. He was spotted in the company of Trump, ringing in the new year while also appearing to coordinate communications with GOP leadership amid a contentious House speaker vote. This intertwining of his interests makes it clear that Musk is navigating a complex web of influence that spans multiple nations and political parties.

Musk’s recent political moves illustrate a calculated twist in his already significant role in both U.S. and international politics. By engaging with right-wing leaders across the globe, he leverages his social media platform to exert influence while courting major financial contributions to conservative causes. However, this comes with a healthy dose of criticism, particularly regarding the potential impact on divisive issues in vulnerable political climates. As the year unfolds, all eyes will remain on Musk as he continues to test the waters of global political influence alongside his business ventures.

Original Source: www.washingtonpost.com