Summary
Elon Musk recently faced backlash after posting a controversial comment on X (formerly Twitter), questioning why there were no assassination threats against President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Following significant criticism, Musk deleted the post and later claimed it was intended as a joke that did not translate well in text form.
The comment came shortly after an apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, prompting Musk’s response to a user’s inquiry about threats against Trump. Despite initially defending his statement, Musk deleted it after approximately nine hours due to the intense backlash, which many interpreted as dangerous and irresponsible. In subsequent tweets, he reflected on the situation, acknowledging that humor can be misinterpreted in written form, particularly without context. The White House condemned his remarks, emphasizing that such rhetoric could incite violence and should never be encouraged or joked about.
Background Context
Musk’s comment and its fallout highlight the contentious atmosphere surrounding political discourse, especially on social media platforms. As a prominent figure and supporter of Trump, Musk’s statements carry significant weight and can influence public sentiment. The incident underscores the challenges public figures face in navigating sensitive topics in a digital landscape where tone and intent can easily be misconstrued.
Public Reaction
The public response to Musk’s post was swift and severe, with many users and commentators expressing their outrage. Critics, including former GOP representative Adam Kinzinger, called for accountability, suggesting that Musk’s remarks were not only inappropriate but also indicative of a broader issue regarding the normalization of violent rhetoric in political discourse. The situation serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of careless communication in a highly polarized political environment.
Musk’s Subsequent Remarks
After deleting the original tweet, Musk attempted to clarify his intentions, stating that just because something is perceived as humorous in a private setting does not mean it will be received the same way in public discourse. He emphasized the importance of context in understanding jokes, particularly in a medium where nuances can be lost. Despite this, the damage from the initial post had already been done, and the incident has sparked ongoing discussions about the responsibilities of influential figures in shaping political conversations online.
Musk’s X Falls Below $10 Billion as Value Continues to Plummet
Sep. 30 / Gizmodo / Gizmodo dives into the financial implications of Musk's ownership of X, providing a unique angle on his political commentary's impact on the platform's value. However, it strays from the immediate controversy surrounding his comments. “ Elon Musk bought Twitter for $44 billion back in 2022. Now it’s worth less than a quarter of that, according to a new financial disclosure from the...
Sep. 25 / Benzinga / Benzinga diverges from the central topic by discussing Zuckerberg's political shift, which, while interesting, detracts from the focus on Musk's actions. The comparison lacks a strong connection, making it less relevant. “ Meta Platforms, Inc. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly moved his political ideologies from activism to regret, leaning towards classic liberalism. What...
Elon Musk deletes X post about Biden, Harris assassination threats after backlash
Sep. 16 / Cnbc / CNBC presents a concise summary of the incident, emphasizing the timeline of events and Musk's defense of his post. The inclusion of the White House's condemnation adds weight, but the lack of extensive analysis may leave some readers wanting more depth. “ In this article TSLA Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT Elon Musk attends the "Exploring the New Frontiers of Innovation: Mark Read in...
Sep. 16 / Variety / Variety's coverage offers a detailed account of Musk's controversial post, providing context around his comments and the subsequent backlash. Todd Spangler effectively highlights the public's outrage, making it a compelling read. “ Elon Musk , the pro-Trump tech mogul who is the world’s richest individual, on Sunday posted a comment on X — the social media network he owns — saying “no...
Elon Musk deletes Biden, Harris assassination joke, swears people laughed at it IRL
Sep. 16 / The Daily Dot / The Daily Dot captures the chaotic aftermath of Musk's tweet, emphasizing his attempts to clarify his intent. It effectively conveys the public's reaction and Musk's subsequent reflections, making it engaging and relevant. “ Tricia Crimmins is a Senior Reporter on the politics and tech team covering discrimination, identity, and the 2024 election. She can be found on Twitter at...