Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and owner of X (formerly Twitter), has been at the center of several controversies recently, stirring both political and personal waters. His recent endorsement of antisemitic conspiracy theories on X has drawn widespread condemnation, including from the White House, which labeled his actions as promoting “abhorrent” hate.
Musk’s involvement in politics has not stopped there. He has also echoed former President Donald Trump’s rhetoric, referring to the Kamala Harris-Tim Walz presidential ticket as “communist,” a label Trump himself has recently used in his criticisms of the pair. Furthermore, Musk has taken to social media to predict a civil war in the U.S., a reflection of the deeply polarized political climate.
Elon Musk’s obsession with the political left appears to stem from several factors, including his evolving political views, personal experiences, and his desire to influence public discourse. Initially known as a centrist with libertarian leanings, Musk’s public persona has shifted, particularly after facing criticism from progressive groups and individuals. His purchase of Twitter (now X) and the subsequent controversies, including claims of censorship and bias against conservatives, have further entrenched his opposition to the left.
Musk’s disdain for the left also seems fueled by his perception that they unfairly target him, particularly through actions like attempting to “dox” him or criticize his business practices. This has led him to adopt a more confrontational stance, positioning himself as a defender of free speech and conservative values. Musk’s behavior can be seen as part of his broader pattern of seeking to influence and control narratives, especially those he perceives as threatening his vision or interests
Adding to the drama, Musk recently attacked a female boxer, accusing her of being a man, which sparked outrage across social media. His unwavering support for Trump continues to be evident, as he aligns himself closely with the former president’s views on various issues.
In his personal life, Musk’s transgender daughter, Vivian Jenna Wilson, has publicly disowned him and made several strong statements against him. She has accused him of being “desperate for attention and validation,” criticizing his behavior and controversial remarks, particularly those regarding her gender transition. Wilson called Musk’s actions “absolutely pathetic” and stated that he is lying about her, further deepening the rift between them. This public disavowal follows Musk’s controversial statements, which she felt were a direct attack on her identity
As of August 9, 2024, the businesses of X (formerly Twitter), Tesla, and SpaceX are experiencing varied fortunes:
X (Twitter): Twitter has faced significant challenges in 2024. The platform saw a 22% decrease in revenue in 2023, generating $3.4 billion, reflecting a downward trend that has continued into this year. Uncertainty and brand withdrawals have plagued the platform, contributing to a 7% drop in brand use in 2024. The user base remains predominantly male, and the platform has struggled to regain the confidence of advertisers and users alike.
Tesla: Tesla has had a rocky year, with its shares dropping by 8% in July 2024 following reports of delays in the unveiling of its robotaxi. The company has also been marred by sweeping layoffs and a drop in sales, contributing to negative performance in the stock market. These issues highlight the challenges Tesla is facing as it navigates a highly competitive and evolving automotive market.
SpaceX: In contrast to Tesla and X, SpaceX is performing well. The company was recently valued at a record $210 billion following a tender offer where insider shares were sold at a higher-than-expected price. SpaceX also secured an $843 million contract to assist in discarding the International Space Station around 2030, further solidifying its position as a leader in the space industry.
