Overview of the Incident

On Friday morning, Elon Musk shared a post on the platform X, which previously operated as Twitter, that provoked significant backlash from users and commentators. The post claimed that notable 20th-century dictators—Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler, and Mao Zedong—did not personally cause the deaths of millions, instead attributing that responsibility to public sector workers. Shortly after posting, Musk deleted the controversial message amidst growing criticism.

Reactions to the Post

The assertion made in Musk’s post was met with immediate condemnation. Critics described the message as antisemitic and disrespectful to the memory of countless lives lost due to the actions of these leaders. Historians have extensively documented the atrocities committed under Stalin, Hitler, and Mao, each of whom oversaw events where millions perished, such as the Holocaust and the Cultural Revolution.

The Anti-Defamation League expressed its disapproval, stating, “It is deeply disturbing and irresponsible for someone with a large public platform to elevate the kind of rhetoric that serves to undermine the seriousness of these issues.”

Musk’s Previous Controversies

This incident marks another addition to a series of controversial posts made by Musk. Earlier this year, he endorsed a post deemed antisemitic, resulting in a backlash that led advertisers to reconsider their associations with the platform. He also faced scrutiny for suggesting there was a bias against former President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris following an assassination attempt on Donald Trump.

Context of Musk’s Statements

Elon Musk has a history of supporting right-wing political figures and movements globally. His endorsements of leaders such as Javier Milei of Argentina and Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil reflect a pattern of aligning with modern authoritarian figures. Recently, he backed the far-right Alternative for Germany party, further emphasizing his political inclinations.

As Musk interacts more with government-related initiatives, particularly the Department of Government Efficiency, he has publicly criticized federal employees and accused them of concealing fraudulent activities, which has also drawn criticism from labor unions, including the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees.

Musk’s Defense and Ongoing Issues

In response to the backlash, Musk took to X to defend himself, claiming that his critics were mischaracterizing his statements. His rhetoric has included assertions that likened him to historical figures such as Mussolini and Hitler, leveling accusations against those opposing him. The backlash is compounded by previous actions, including gestures perceived as reminiscent of the Nazi salute, further intensifying the scrutiny around his statements and actions.