Elon Musk has expressed his surprise at the level of hostility from the left.
Elon Musk has responded to a German magazine, Der Spiegel, after it labeled the billionaire “public enemy No. 2” and claimed he is working with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump to “decompose liberal democracy.” In response, Musk maintained that he is a strong supporter of democracy.
The German publication published an article on Sunday with a cover featuring a close-up of the tech mogul with Trump’s features appearing partially on his face. The article highlighted the X owner and Tesla CEO’s significant economic influence and prominent media presence.
“Within a few years, he [Musk] has not only become the political right-wing hardliner, but also a declared opponent of the liberal democracy in the US. The Troll-in chief has mutated into a political agitator. One could say: Donald Trump is probably the current biggest threat to the free world. His buddy Musk [is] at least public enemy number two,” the article stated, drawing comparisons to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, who rose to power with considerable support from German industrial leaders.
Musk addressed the accusation during a town hall meeting with American voters in Pennsylvania. “I’m like, enemy No. 2 of what? Democracy? I mean I’m pro-democracy. I’m literally trying to uphold the Constitution and ensure we have a free and fair election,” he retorted, receiving cheers from the audience.
The billionaire stated that he would “definitely upgrade… my security” after the article, noting that he is sometimes “shocked” by what he observes from the left. “You know, the level of vitriolic hatred on the left, which is supposed to be tolerant. They claim they are tolerant and yet they are incredibly intolerant and spewing hate.”
Musk, who describes himself as a “free speech absolutist,” endorsed Trump following the failed assassination attempt on the former president in July, and has since donated millions of dollars to his campaign. He has consistently voiced concerns about what he describes as increasing censorship in the US, as well as an overly bureaucratic system that hinders any meaningful action.
Meanwhile, Trump has pledged to establish a Musk-led government efficiency commission to audit the entire federal government if he returns to the White House.