Musk’s Controversial Post Sparks Outcry
In the early hours of Thursday morning, Elon Musk, known for his efforts with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Donald Trump, made headlines by sharing a contentious post on his social media platform, X. The post included remarks from an anonymous user that made a provocative comparison involving Adolf Hitler, claiming that “Stalin, Mao and Hitler didn’t murder millions of people; their public sector workers did.”
This statement, which fundamentally overlooks historical facts—particularly the Holocaust directed by Hitler and Nazi leadership—was criticized by various commentators, including Lee Saunders, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the largest U.S. public sector union. Saunders firmly defended public service workers, stating, “America’s public service workers — our nurses, teachers, firefighters, librarians — chose making our communities safe, healthy, and strong over getting rich. They are not, as the world’s richest man implies, genocidal murderers.”
Backlash and Reactions
In response to the substantial backlash, Musk removed the controversial post by Friday. Critics have increasingly labeled him with disturbing titles, including “Nazi.” Although Musk has denied these accusations, his actions since Trump’s return to the White House suggest a troubling alignment with far-right ideologies. Notably, he has reinstated previously banned figures known for their white nationalist views and has made ambiguous references to Nazi history, even including jokes about notorious figures from that era.
Public Image and Controversy
Despite attempting to distance himself from such allegations, Musk’s remarks have repeatedly raised eyebrows. During an interview with podcaster Joe Rogan, Musk claimed that one must be “committing genocide” or “invading Poland” to qualify as a Nazi, ignoring the broader implications of hate and ideology present in current movements. More disconcertingly, he recently suggested in a virtual event supporting Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party that children should not feel guilt for the actions of their ancestors, a sentiment that has incited further criticism.
Impact on Tesla and Ongoing Boycott
These comments have galvanized a boycott movement against Musk’s automotive company, Tesla. Activists have dubbed the vehicles “swasticars,” and while many protests have remained peaceful, incidents of vandalism—including the defacement of cars with swastikas—have also been reported.
Attempts at Damage Control
Musk’s public behavior and statements suggest a troubling attitude toward historical atrocities. Just over a year ago, amidst accusations of promoting antisemitic content, Musk visited Israel and the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp—efforts perceived by some as public relations maneuvers rather than genuine expressions of empathy. Holocaust survivor Gidon Lev, who met Musk during the visit, later expressed disappointment, indicating that Musk’s actions felt superficial and exploitative.
Final Thoughts
On his visit to Auschwitz, Musk remarked that the experience “hits you much more in the heart when you see it in person.” However, as subsequent actions have shown, the depth of that sentiment appears to have diminished. The ongoing scrutiny surrounding his comments and actions indicates that the public continues to grapple with the implications of his influence and rhetoric.
Update: March 14, 8:11 p.m. ET: This article has been updated to reflect the removal of Musk’s post regarding historical figures.
