How Musk is attacking Europe and what might be behind his foreign policy surge
Elon Musk, the owner of X (former Twitter) and a key ally of Donald Trump, has unexpectedly shifted his focus from American politics to European affairs.
Within just a few weeks, Musk has managed to make a notable impact – personally attacking the leaders of Germany and the United Kingdom while expressing support for far-right movements in key European countries.
This surge of activity has become a factor influencing European politics and election dynamics. Read more in the article by Oleh Pavliuk, a European Pravda journalist – The assault on Europe: how and why Elon Musk is intervening in the politics of European countries.
Elon Musk is the largest donor to Donald Trump’s campaign and his prominent supporter. He has been nominated to head the future US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
But it seems unlikely that the future DOGE head would have diplomatic duties such as liaising with foreign leaders, whether by phone or in person.
It is well known that Musk was present at Mar-a-Lago during a December visit by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a long-time admirer of Trump. Musk also maintains a friendly relationship with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which predates Trump’s current campaign.
Their relationship has even prompted AI-generated videos showing the "authentic, honest, and truthful" Meloni and the "amazing human being" Musk kissing.
However, Musk’s compliments and friendships are reserved only for those he considers allies.
For instance, when the Romanian Constitutional Court annulled the first round of presidential elections due to evidence of foreign interference, Musk labeled the judges as "dictators."
When Italian courts blocked Meloni’s initiative to hold some migrants in Albania, Musk declared that "these judges need to go."
Musk’s most intense criticism has been directed at Germany and later the UK, whose leadership he consistently attacks openly and bluntly.
Meanwhile, the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has become Musk’s favourite in Germany. In his view, they are the only ones who can "save" the country.
In the UK, Musk has a similar favourite: the far-right Reform UK party, led by long-time Eurosceptic Nigel Farage. In the 2024 snap elections, Reform UK succeeded in getting several MPs into the House of Commons for the first time.
Farage has met with Musk, and they reportedly discussed potential financial donations to Reform UK, which is not explicitly prohibited under current British law if done through a UK-based company.
However, just recently, Musk distanced himself from Farage, stating that Reform UK needs a new leader and that Farage "doesn’t have what it takes" for the role.
What drives Musk’s active commentary on foreign policy?
One theory points to business interests: Musk might find it easier to conduct business in countries where he has friendly relations with the political elite, especially if they share his views on issues such as "leftism" and immigration.
Alternatively, Musk may be laying the groundwork for the future US president by severing ties with those who criticised him in the past and fostering alliances with those Trump would prefer in power.
In any case, one cannot overlook the observation of a former US intelligence official, who described Musk’s foreign policy activity as follows:
"Under any other normal circumstance, that would not be permitted, but now we are in a different rule set when it’s Trump."