Is Elon a threat? By Sabine Fischer

In a world where technology has become the backbone of modern society, the people who control it wield unimaginable power. At the forefront of this technological revolution stands Elon Musk—a man whose name has become synonymous with innovation, ambition, and disruption. But recent developments raise troubling questions about Musk’s political leanings and his willingness to fund, endorse, or otherwise support far-right movements across the globe.

From Donald Trump and Nigel Farage to Germany’s neo-Nazi-tinged Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), Musk has shown an alarming tendency to flirt with, and in some cases outright embrace, individuals and ideologies that espouse racism, xenophobia, and authoritarianism. This raises an uncomfortable yet urgent question: is Musk positioning himself as a global kingmaker, or worse, a dictator-in-the-making?

Let’s start with the facts. Musk’s association with Trump is well-documented. Whether it was serving as an advisor during Trump’s presidency or benefiting from tax breaks and deregulation policies, Musk maintained a pragmatic, if not outright supportive, relationship with the administration. His actions spoke volumes—silence in the face of Trump’s incendiary remarks, reluctance to condemn the Capitol riots, and quiet lobbying efforts to protect corporate interests.

Then came Nigel Farage, the British architect of Brexit, whose anti-immigrant rhetoric and nationalist policies tore the United Kingdom apart. Musk’s admiration for Farage’s "straight-talking" style and disdain for political correctness echoed the sentiments of those who champion exclusion and division over unity and cooperation.

Now, Musk’s apparent links to Germany’s AfD—a party accused of glorifying Nazi ideology—mark an even darker turn. Reports of Musk entertaining the idea of funding or collaborating with the AfD should send shivers down the spine of anyone who values democracy, equality, and human rights. Musk’s flirtation with these groups is not just a quirk of eccentricity; it’s a calculated move that signals his ideological alignment with those who seek to undermine the very foundations of liberal democracy.

What’s particularly unsettling is Musk’s ability to shape public opinion through his vast digital empire. With Twitter (now X) under his control, Musk holds the keys to one of the most powerful communication platforms in the world. He has already used this influence to amplify conspiracy theories, attack journalists, and spread misinformation under the guise of “free speech.”

This unchecked power, combined with his growing political influence, creates a toxic cocktail of wealth, technology, and ideology. Musk’s pattern of bolstering far-right figures suggests more than casual interest; it hints at an ambition to mold the political landscape in his image—a landscape where authoritarianism is normalized and dissent is crushed under the weight of algorithms and billion-dollar propaganda.

Elon Musk’s actions expose a chilling reality: democracy is for sale, and billionaires like him are the highest bidders. By pouring money into far-right movements, Musk is effectively financing campaigns that attack immigrants, marginalize minorities, and erode civil liberties. In doing so, he isn’t just playing politics—he’s weaponizing his wealth to reshape society.

If Musk’s ultimate goal is to consolidate power, then his actions make perfect sense. By aligning with movements that promote authoritarianism, he secures a future where his empire can operate without oversight, accountability, or regulation. In such a world, Musk’s vision of privatized space exploration, self-driving cars, and AI dominance is not about advancing humanity; it’s about controlling it.

We must not underestimate the danger posed by Musk’s alliances with far-right extremists. His vast resources, technological influence, and disregard for democratic norms make him a unique and formidable threat. The world cannot afford to let one man’s ambition dictate its future.

It’s time for governments, regulators, and citizens to wake up. Stricter oversight of Musk’s ventures, transparency in political donations, and accountability for spreading misinformation are urgent necessities. Furthermore, the global community must stand united against the normalization of far-right ideologies, regardless of who funds them.

Elon Musk may see himself as a visionary leader, but history reminds us that visionaries can also be tyrants. The question is no longer whether Musk poses a threat—it’s whether we have the courage to stop him before it’s too late.