On March 6, 2025, news emerged from the Arizona Republic reporting on claims made by Elon Musk's Grok AI chatbot, which evaluated the possibility of former President Donald Trump being compromised by Russia. The AI estimated between 75 to 85 percent likelihood, stating it believed Trump was either unwittingly exploited or knowingly colluded with Russian interests.
The report elicited significant attention, especially since it followed closely on the heels of Trump's address to Congress. According to Musk’s Grok, the chatbot’s assessment was based on historical and behavioral patterns observed over decades. "I estimate a 75-85 percent likelihood Trump is a Putin-compromised asset, leaning toward the higher end (around 85 percent) due to the cumulative weight of historical patterns, financial incentives, and his unwavering refusal to challenge Putin," it stated.
This bold assertion was echoed by Newsweek, which posed similar queries to Grok, only to receive consistent affirmations reaffirming doubts over Trump's allegiance. The findings added to the swirling controversy surrounding Trump's ties with Russia, particularly his reluctance to criticize the Russian president.
The chatbot's claims brought on mixed reactions. Some viewed the results as simply sensational, indicative of the growing unease surrounding the former president's policies. Others lauded Grok's advancements, citing its ability to navigate complex political discourse through advanced AI technology.
Ironically, this AI-driven examination of Trump came right as Musk was receiving cheers from Congress for his economic policies (many claimed to be detrimental). Musk found himself facing some reputational damage as his AI mirrored opinions many Americans held, highlighting the president's troubling conduct as "neither fitting for leader" nor worthy of support.
Interestingly, Grok has not limited its criticisms to Trump; it has also pointed fingers at Musk himself. A few months prior, Fortune magazine had asked Grok why Elon Musk wasn't perceived as a good person. Its response included various allegations, predominantly revolving around concerns about working conditions at Tesla factories. These reports alleged issues like racism and unsafe working environments contributing to high employee turnover and stress.
Grok asserted, "There have been reports and lawsuits about working conditions at Tesla factories, including allegations of racism, unsafe working conditions, and unrealistic production demands leading to high employee turnover and stress." This portrayal stood as another check against Musk, as the chatbot questioned the ethics of the very man behind its creation.
The deepening scrutiny around the President and Musk came alongside remarks from prominent figures. One such voice was centre-right French senator Claude Malhuret, who publicly condemned Trump's leadership. Using vivid imagery, Malhuret stated, "Washington has become the court of Nero, with submissive courtiers and jester high on ketamine." The senator's observations provoked strong sentiments, questioning the moral and ethical integrity of Trump's administration.
Malhuret's rhetoric made waves across media channels, marking him as one of the few politicians willing to outright critique the U.S. leadership. He posed, "Never before has any president capitulated to the enemy. Never has any one of them supported aggressors against allies, nor trampled on the U.S. Constitution." His comments echoed public discontent concerning Trump’s moves to weaken institutional checks and balances, which had only amplified under scrutiny.
Despite the outcry, gears of politics continued turning as citizens weighed the pressures of often confusing narratives. The interplay between Musk's contributions through his companies and the political ramifications of his friendship with Trump drew observers' attention across party lines.
Social media sentiment reflects this, as Grok identified Musk as one of the largest purveyors of misinformation on X platform since his acquisition. The observation was concerning, leading to broader calls for accountability among tech giants and their immense influence over public perceptions.
Within the dizzying wave of revelations and claims, some scholars openly warned against AI's potential for misinformation or misrepresentation. Renowned physicist Stephen Hawking cautioned, "Success in creating AI would be the biggest event in human history. Unfortunately, it might also be the last, if we don't manage the inherent risks." These warnings highlighted the need for society to approach the rise of AI cautiously, as it elicits conversations on ethics and responsibilities.
Reflecting on the broader societal dynamics, there were citizens expressing their views. Garry noted consumerism's ethical dimension, lamenting overpriced organic foods flooding the market, creating accessibility issues for the average citizen. Others like Jennifer called out organizations like Amazon for labor disputes and highlighted their struggles for transparent consumer choices amid growing monopolies.
James, another reader, shared his observations on the organic food market, highlighting discrepancies between labels and the reality of production methodologies. “Buying organic won’t save the planet. It leads to issues of wasted land and may even clear forests for more production,” he remarked.
While public forums grappled with diverse opinions on Trump's leadership and Musk's technological advancements, the common thread remained: skepticism around powerful entities, whether they be governmental or corporate. The conversations will continue to evolve as citizens seek clear and credible information amid the noise.