Elon Musk is facing growing outrage over a recent social media post that some perceive as antisemitic. While Musk has been associated with controversial statements in the past, this latest incident has ignited an international firestorm and drawn public rebuke, including from the White House.
The post in question accuses Jews of promoting hatred against whites, echoing a dangerous claim linked to the 2018 Pittsburgh Tree of Life synagogue shooting that claimed 11 lives. The timing of Musk’s comment, amid heightened levels of antisemitic incidents in the U.S. and increased online hate and harassment during the Israel-Hamas conflict, has added to the gravity of the situation.
The White House spokesperson, Andrew Bates, condemned Musk’s actions, stating, “It is unacceptable to repeat the hideous lie behind the most fatal act of antisemitism in American history at any time, let alone one month after the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust.”
Major advertisers, including Apple, IBM, Disney, and Lions Gate Entertainment, have responded by pulling ads from Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter). Despite requests for comment, X has not provided a response.
Jewish organizations have criticized Musk for an alleged increase in antisemitic posts on X since he acquired the platform a year ago. X CEO Linda Yaccarino emphasized the company’s commitment to combating antisemitism and discrimination, stating, “There’s no place for it anywhere in the world – it’s ugly and wrong. Full stop.”
In September, Musk publicly expressed opposition to antisemitism during a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, recent events have reignited concerns about his stance.
As the world’s wealthiest individual, Musk wields significant influence through his business empire, which includes X, Tesla, and four other companies. Some Tesla investors have raised concerns that Musk’s statements could harm the company’s brand.
Jerry Braakman, president and chief investment officer of First American Trust, called on the Tesla board to put Musk on leave for 30 to 60 days, stating, “It’s not acceptable in the business world, and I don’t think there is an excuse for a CEO to promote antisemitism, discrimination, hate speech, any of those.”
Financial advisor and Tesla investor Kevin Paffrath suggested that Musk “needs a babysitter” and should heed their advice.
The controversy erupted when Musk responded to an X user promoting a conspiracy theory about Jewish people allegedly orchestrating nonwhite immigration to replace the white population in the U.S. Musk’s response, “You have said the actual truth,” fueled accusations that he aligns with antisemitic views.
In subsequent posts, Musk criticized the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), claiming they unjustly attack the majority of the West, despite Western support for the Jewish people and Israel. Musk has been at odds with the ADL over its campaign to combat antisemitism on social media, alleging that it has negatively impacted his company’s ad sales.
Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the ADL, expressed concern, stating, “At a time when antisemitism is exploding in America and surging around the world, it is indisputably dangerous to use one’s influence to validate and promote antisemitic theories.”
