After the presidential elections in the USA, Elon Musk moved into Donald Trump's residence in Mar-a-Lago, granting him easy access to the elected president. He invested no less than 100 million dollars in support of Trump's campaign, highlighting his influence on American politics. And now, the richest man in the world has turned his attention to the leaders of European countries.
Recently, Elon Musk has been actively intervening in the political processes of various countries, backing far-right parties and criticizing current leaders.
At the end of 2024, the billionaire openly endorsed the far-right party "Alternative for Germany" (AfD), stating that only it could "save" the country. These remarks sparked outrage among German politicians, who viewed them as an attempt to influence the elections scheduled for February 23, 2025.
Musk expressed his support in a column for the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag. He writes that he has the right to speak about German politics "as a person who has made significant investments in the industrial and technological landscape of Germany." The billionaire believes that the German economy is "mired in bureaucracy and stifling regulations," criticizes the migration and energy policies of the German authorities, and claims that the promises of the AfD are the answer to all these problems.
In early 2025, Musk also focused on the United Kingdom. He criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer and called for new elections, expressing support for Nigel Farage's "Reform UK" party. These statements are also perceived as interference in the country's internal affairs.
Recently, Elon Musk has been demonstrating activity in the political arena that extends far beyond the United States. According to political scientist Igor Reiterovich, it seems that he has become dizzy from his successes and decided to implement his own political visions not only in America but also in other countries. His influence is based on widespread recognition and access to global platforms, particularly social media, which he controls. Musk understands that social networks have a significant impact on election outcomes and uses this tool to promote his ideas.
The political scientist emphasizes that Musk's statements are not random. They align with the interests of the Trump administration, which seeks to strengthen U.S. influence in Europe. In Germany, he attempts to promote political forces more loyal to American authority, while in the UK, he fuels isolationist sentiments to increase the country's dependence on the U.S.
However, the expert believes that if Musk continues to make such statements after taking an official position in the Trump administration (after January 20), it could lead to serious diplomatic scandals. His remarks about supporting certain political forces in countries like Germany or the UK are already causing outrage.
"In addition to international scandals, Musk's activity could lead to internal conflicts among political players competing for influence over the Trump administration. Whether he will manage to avoid responsibility for his statements and actions remains to be seen. However, his desire to leverage his recognition and influence on social media undoubtedly makes him a powerful player on the political stage," Reiterovich continues.
According to the political scientist, it is likely that Ukraine will become the next country where Musk will attempt to influence public opinion and political processes. His statements have long been characterized by aggressiveness, and given his resources, this could pose another challenge for Ukrainian diplomacy. As key allies of Ukraine, such as Germany and the UK, are already under attack from Musk, one can expect that similar actions may be directed at Kyiv.
Head of the Political Intelligence Center, political scientist Oleg Posternak, believes that Musk seems to be testing how much his personal brand can change the political order in various countries. This became particularly evident after the success of his campaign to support Donald Trump in the U.S. His actions are often aimed at protecting the economic and political interests of America, as he understands them.
One of Musk's key tools is the social network X, which has become a powerful media platform for his ideas. The platform provides him access to millions of users, including influencers and politicians. Musk uses X not only to promote his business initiatives but also to intervene in political processes. His comments on international politics are an attempt to test how much his brand can change the political order.
Musk's popularity among young people is one of his strengths. The demographic aged 16-30, regardless of the country, is well acquainted with his activities. This group perceives him as a modern iconic figure. At the same time, the older audience may have a superficial understanding of his achievements, but his name is known to all. With his charisma and media influence, Musk has the ability to impact an entire generation, shaping a new agenda.
"Musk actively attacks politicians who do not align with his vision, such as Olaf Scholz in Germany. These are not merely personal attacks — there is a clear calculation behind them: changing the political landscape in Europe in favor of American interests. At the same time, his influence is not limited to the West. Ukraine, as one of the key countries in the region, could also be affected by his statements and decisions," Posternak says.
Today, Musk holds a unique status as a global influencer. His words carry weight, and if he were to suggest, for example, that Ukraine should cede its territories to Russia, it would spark a wave of discussion in international media. Such statements could influence the opinions of both the Ukrainian public and the global community, the political scientist believes.
"It is important to understand that his actions are part of a larger strategy. They could harm Ukraine, as each of his statements, even unofficial ones, is viewed as the position of an influential figure with access to information and resources. In the context of modern information society, this could become a tool for influencing political decisions," Posternak continues.
Elon Musk demonstrates that being a businessman is not enough for him; he aims to become a significant player in political life. His influence on global politics and ability to shape public opinion make him an important figure worthy of attention. For Ukraine, this means a need for a cautious approach to his statements and actions, as they could have far-reaching consequences for both domestic and foreign policy.
At the same time, Posternak believes that even in a new position in the White House, Musk is unlikely to stop commenting on politicians in various countries and supporting parties. But if he currently speaks as a businessman, after January 20, such statements could lead to serious diplomatic scandals.
Let us remind you that Elon Musk has entered into confrontation with Republicans and supporters of Donald Trump. Some well-known internet personalities now accuse Elon Musk of using his social media platform X to retaliate against those who disagree with his support for the H-1B visa program, which allows highly skilled immigrants to work in the USA.