European leaders are pushing back against Tesla CEO Elon Musk after he suggested Britain’s prime minister should be imprisoned and questioned whether the U.S. should “liberate” its ally.
Musk has been a vocal supporter of MAGA movement and has attacked world leaders on social media, including Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Reform Party leader Nigel Farage. He also backs German far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) known for its anti-immigrant views.
However, other politicians are telling him to stay in his lane. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said Musk’s interference is “worrying” and French President Emmanuel Macron wondered who could have imagined a tech mogul like Musk supporting a reactionary movement.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned Musk against interfering in the country’s politics, while Robert Habeck cautioned him to “hands off our democracy.” Musk has sparked outrage with his comments on British politics and German government officials are accusing him of trying to influence next month’s election.
Musk’s involvement in U.S. politics is being fueled by threats to fund electoral challenges against those who defy him, creating a powerful incentive for Republicans to go along with his demands.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/01/06/elon-musk-european-leaders-starmer-farage