Once claiming he wanted to avoid politics, Elon Musk is now knee-deep in it, and his focus has shifted overseas. After spending $250 million to help reelect Donald Trump, Musk seems determined to shake up Europe’s political scene, endorsing far-right populists and challenging centrist governments.
The billionaire, who transformed Twitter into “X,” his personal megaphone, has used his platform to promote controversial figures and ideas. In Germany, he’s thrown support behind the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, despite its members’ scandals and nationalist agenda. Across Europe, leaders are accusing Musk of meddling, fueling misinformation, and emboldening divisive movements. Some even blame X for stoking last summer’s far-right riots in Britain.
Musk’s unapologetic approach has raised eyebrows and drawn criticism. “His hubris is astounding,” says Eric Nelson, a former U.S. diplomat, highlighting Musk’s audacity to interfere in complex political issues across multiple countries.
But why is Musk targeting Europe? Some say it’s personal—retaliation for efforts to “cancel” him after his takeover of X. Others argue it’s financial, with Musk opposing Europe’s strict tech regulations while expanding Tesla operations in Germany.
European leaders are scrambling to respond. Germany and Britain, both grappling with immigration debates and political dissatisfaction, have become fertile ground for Musk’s influence. Yet, his methods have sparked backlash, with figures like German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemning his support for far-right positions. In true Musk fashion, he fired back with an insult aimed at Scholz.
Still, Musk’s growing political entanglement comes with risks. He faces potential fines under the EU’s Digital Services Act, and Britain has called him to testify over X’s role in spreading misinformation. While some fear taking on Musk could provoke Donald Trump, Europe’s patience may wear thin as Musk continues to disrupt its political landscape.
Musk’s ambition to play kingmaker in Europe may hinge on whether he’s willing to engage constructively—or if his disruptive streak will ultimately backfire. For now, one thing is certain: Musk is making waves, and Europe is struggling to ride them.
