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American billionaire Elon Musk is increasingly attracting attention for his comments on UK and European politics. An editorial in The New York Times notes that Musk’s desire for power has long since gone beyond the United States.
According to the British analyst Louis Staples, Musk actively supports far-right ideas and speaks in favour of the Reform U.K. party, which opposes immigration. Musk’s comments on the political situation in Britain, especially his criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have sharpened the discussion of the country’s domestic and international problems.
In particular, Musk accused the British government of creating a “double standard” in the law enforcement system and spreading false claims about immigration policy. He even called for Starmer’s imprisonment, claiming that he was “contributing to the destruction of Britain”.
During the anti-immigrant riots in August 2024, triggered by online disinformation, Musk and his X platform (formerly Twitter) were at the centre of criticism for spreading hatred. It was then that Starmer warned social media that they were contributing to the escalation of violence.
The New York Times also draws attention to Musk’s growing ties to far-right politicians around the world, including Vladimir Putin, Viktor Orban, Georgia Maloney, and leaders of the German party Alternative for Germany. Musk has attended political events, supported radical campaigns, and actively influenced public opinion through X.
Critics call Musk the “shadow leader” of the Western far-right community, hinting that his ambitions go far beyond business. According to the NYT, Musk may seek not only to create kings, but also to become a “king” in the new political reality.
