PARIS – Elon Musk is not just stirring the pot; he’s throwing grenades across Europe’s political stage. The world’s richest man has found himself at the center of controversy as he openly supports far-right parties, drawing fierce responses from major European political figures including French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Why is Europe, often seen as the old guard of politics, now alarmed by Musk’s unprecedented influence? It seems he has publicly expressed support for the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), Germany’s far-right party, just weeks before elections, tipping the balance in what is already a tense political climate.
Within days, Musk's social media activity triggered waves of backlash. Macron accused Musk, without naming him, of backing what he termed “a new international reactionary movement.” His remarks echoed the sentiments of many who view Musk’s political maneuvering as threatening to the democratic structures established across Europe.
According to reports, Musk has amplified the voice of far-right politicians through his platform, X, formerly known as Twitter, culminating recently with controversial dialogues with AfD leader Alice Weidel. An opinion piece he authored for the German daily Die Welt praising the AfD also sparked significant backlash, leading to the resignation of the paper’s opinion editor. It raises questions about how much stock to place on the social media provocateur's declarations, as Musk can rally millions to his cause with just one tweet.
Yet Musk’s influence doesn’t stop at Germany; his actions have reverberated through the U.K. as well. He has attacked Starmer, accusing him of negligence during past child abuse cases, which Starmer branded as beyond acceptable political discourse, stating, "Those who are spreading lies and misinformation are not interested in victims; they’re interested in themselves.”
The British leader's sharp retort came after Musk’s unfounded claims linking Starmer to complicity in child grooming gangs, provoking not only public outrage but also diplomatic unease.
Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has also expressed his concerns, underlining the “worrying” scenario of Musk's direct involvement with European political issues. For leaders accustomed to managing their nations without external meddling, Musk’s approach—the audacity of which some liken to unwelcome interventions from private citizens—raises uncomfortable questions about sovereignty.
More troubling is the delicate balance European leaders must maintain. While confronting Musk can feel necessary, any backlash poses risks of alienation from the incoming U.S. administration, which many speculate will lean favorably toward Musk.
After weeks of provocative posts, including denouncing judges and questioning policies, Musk is perceived as both a disruptor and populist force. Some speculate he wields influence comparable to official channels, previewing the potential disruptions to be expected with Trump’s return to the White House.
The relationship between Musk and Trump is undoubtedly significant. With Trump poised for another term, Musk is seen not just as influential but as part of the governance fabric—designated to lead the Department of Government Efficiency. These overlapping roles of mega-corporate influence and government advisory positions lead to uncertain dynamics not only for the U.S. but for European leaders attempting to navigate their policies effectively.
“Will Musk be carrying out Trump’s foreign policy agenda, acting as his personal ambassador?” asked Lindsay Gorman from the German Marshall Fund, highlighting growing anxieties over the interplay between Musk's independent actions and official U.S. diplomacy.
The mix of tech power and political interference is raising alarms, revitalizing fears of far-right ascendancy and its ramifications, especially amid rising historical sensitivities across Europe. Critics are wary of the signals being sent to wider society, especially those battered by economic woes and migration, who might feel disillusionment could veer toward radical ideologies.
The situation is compounded as Musk continues to bolster his portfolio of influential acquaintances. Recent gatherings at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago with hard-right figures signal doubts about where this relationship is heading and what it portends for international relations more broadly.
Yet, not all leaders are sitting idly by. Scholz dismissed Musk’s influence with poise, stating, “Germany is strong and stable; Musk can say what he wants.” He implied casting off external electoral influence is key, leading some to question whether Musk’s opinions will have any weight or if he’ll just be labeled the loudest voice drowning out reason.
Overall, European leaders are now faced with the increasing challenge of discerning how to confront the upheaval Musk instigates, without inadvertently giving credence to Trump’s provocative narrative. Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, reflected significant sentiments on social media, stating, "People have had enough of Elon Musk interfering with our democracy when he clearly knows nothing about Britain.”
Musk’s antics not only pose diplomatic and political challenges but are starting to sketch contours for future relations. How Europe navigates the intersection of digital influence and national policy will define its response moving forward against the shifting power dynamics heralded by the incoming U.S. administration. For now, the question remains: how will Europe adapt to what seems to be the new normal of meddling by billionaire tech titans?