Elon Musk's Shift to Far-Right Politics After White House Exit

Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla, has made significant headlines in recent months, particularly following his tumultuous exit from the White House. While initially indicating a desire to step back from political engagement, Musk has increasingly aligned himself with far-right ideologies, as evidenced by recent events and statements. This article explores Musk's evolving political landscape, his controversial affiliations, and the repercussions for his businesses, particularly Tesla.

This week, far-right activist Tommy Robinson emerged from a courtroom in London, expressing gratitude towards Musk for funding his legal defense against a terrorism charge. "Elon Musk, I’m forever grateful. If you didn’t step in and fund my legal fight I’d probably be in jail,” Robinson stated, highlighting Musk's growing influence within far-right circles.

After his departure from the Trump administration, Musk had suggested he would distance himself from politics, a notion welcomed by investors eager for him to concentrate on his business endeavors. Following this, Tesla’s stock experienced a boost. However, Musk's recent behavior indicates that he has not only remained engaged in political discourse but has also become more entrenched in controversial positions.

Since leaving the White House, Musk has utilized his social media platform, X, to voice extreme views, ranging from election conspiracies to anti-immigration sentiments. He has commented on various issues, claiming that a "homeless industrial complex" is hindering California's progress and asserting that expressing "white pride" should be acceptable.

Musk’s involvement in political matters has extended to influencing the mayoral race in New York City, showcasing his desire to wield power beyond the tech industry. His statements have included alarming predictions about civil unrest in the UK and the potential collapse of western civilization.

The same day Robinson publicly thanked Musk, the billionaire posted on X about alleged voting fraud perpetrated by "illegals" in the United States. Additionally, he retweeted criticisms regarding video games becoming "woke" and labeled mainstream media as vehicles of leftist propaganda.

Musk's political rhetoric has had tangible consequences for Tesla. A recent Yale study revealed that his far-right affiliations and divisive statements have cost the automaker approximately one million vehicle sales between his acquisition of Twitter in 2022 and April 2023. This decline in brand loyalty coincides with the dismantling of government agencies, which included cuts to foreign aid projected to lead to around 14 million deaths worldwide.

As Musk’s political focus intensified, his personal approval ratings plummeted. According to various surveys, he has reached record lows in popularity this year. A Gallup poll conducted in August found that Musk had the lowest favorability among 14 prominent political figures, trailing behind Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently facing war crime charges. Furthermore, a Quinnipiac poll in June indicated that only about 20% of women in the United States viewed Musk favorably.

Despite the backlash stemming from his political stances, Musk's shareholders have shown unwavering support. Recently, they voted overwhelmingly in favor of a staggering $1 trillion compensation package for him, illustrating their confidence in his leadership despite his controversial affiliations.

Elon Musk’s political journey since leaving the White House has been marked by a clear shift toward far-right ideologies and controversial rhetoric. His connections with figures like Tommy Robinson and his attempts to influence political races reveal a deepening entrenchment in extreme views. While this has brought significant challenges to Tesla in terms of brand loyalty and sales, it has not deterred his supporters. As Musk continues to navigate the complex intersection of technology and politics, the implications for his businesses and public perception remain to be seen.