REUTERS/via SNO Sites/Kevin Lamarque
Elon Musk listens to U.S. President Donald Trump speak in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 11, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Elon Musk’s political appointment, Nazi-like salute and public clashes have reignited public outrage, and ignited actual Teslas.
But the billionaire CEO seems to revel in stirring up drama.
Musk is a prominent entrepreneur known for founding and leading companies such as Tesla, SpaceX and Neuralink. His innovative ventures have established him as a key figure in technology and business.
In November 2024, President Donald Trump appointed Musk to lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aiming to streamline federal operations. This appointment reflects Trump’s confidence in Musk’s ability to apply his business acumen to government reform.
The appointment immediately sparked public protests, lawsuits and concerns over privacy, ethics and government overreach.
Demonstrators, including prominent Democratic lawmakers, have expressed concerns over Musk’s unelected position and potential overreach in government affairs. Critics argue that his leadership of DOGElacks oversight and risks undermining important government services.
Legal experts have raised alarms about potential violations of privacy, free speech and conflicts of interest, especially given Musk’s dual role as a federal contractor and government employee. The situation has led to multiple lawsuits and public protests, with figures like Senator Bernie Sanders highlighting that dismantling agencies such as USAID could lead to “millions of preventable deaths.”
Musk’s actions, including attempts to dismantle agencies like the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and accessing sensitive information in various federal departments, have intensified the controversy surrounding his role. These actions have fueled not just public outrage, but a wave of vandalism, including viral videos of Teslas being defaced or set on fire in protest.
Senior Ayden Garcia said Musk’s billionaire status doesn’t make him qualified for government leadership.
“Just because you’re a billionaire doesn’t mean you have the experience or credibility to have this power over the people,” Garcia said. “It’s unbelievable.”
At Donald Trump’s inauguration, Musk thanked supporters and then appeared to mimic a Nazi Seig Heil Salute—not once, but twice.
The moment was caught on camera and quickly spread across social media, sparking outrage. German and French Jewish leaders called the gesture dangerous and disrespectful. Supporters, on the other hand, brushed it off as classic Musk behavior, arguing that his irreverent sense of humor is part of what makes him unique.
This isn’t Musk’s first controversy. His X account, followed by over 100 million, has sparked outrage again and again.
Musk frequently uses the platform to mock critics, pick fights and make off-the-cuff remarks that often land him in trouble.
“His moves have been disappointing, and it’s hard to understand why he’s acting this way,
Garcia said. “It’s annoying to see someone with so much influence make decisions that seem so stupid.”
Elon Musk’s tweets and actions have had significant impacts on various groups and individuals. His promotion of political views on X has amplified right-wing perspectives, influencing public discourse.
After Musk’s takeover of X, antisemitic and racist content spiked, with watchdogs documenting over 1,200 antisemitic posts in just the first 24 hours.
His tweets have not only damaged his reputation but have also cost him and his companies millions of dollars in fines and lost credibility, as seen in the 49% decline in Tesla sales in Europe.
But Musk’s trash talk doesn’t stop on X. He has clashed with regulators and journalists, dismissed legitimate questions as “boring” or “boneheaded” and publicly criticized employees who raise concerns about workplace safety.
While some, like Trump, admire his no-nonsense attitude, others like junior Carlos Herrera see him as “a stupid billionaire.”
“It’s hard to take him seriously when he tweets weird things,” Herrera said. “Sometimes it feels like he’s just seeking attention rather than contributing anything meaningfully.”
Despite the backlash, Musk is–or was–one of the most influential figures in the tech world. His companies are at the forefront of electric vehicles, space exploration and renewable energy, fueled by his loyal fan base that admires his willingness to take risks.
His constant controversies serve as a reminder that even the most successful leaders can’t escape scrutiny. As Musk aims to push the boundaries of technology, he’ll need to balance his bold personality with the responsibility that comes with being a public figure.
Whether Musk can shift the spotlight back to his legacy remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—love or hate him, the world is watching.