In brief
Prominent right-leaning activists, once supporters of Elon Musk, are now critical of his influence over Donald Trump and the perceived silencing of dissent on his social media platform.
Elon Musk, the owner of the social media platform X, is facing backlash from some of the far-right figures who once celebrated his influence. High-profile conservatives such as Laura Loomer, Charlie Kirk, and Stephen K. Bannon are increasingly vocal about their concerns regarding Musk’s impact on the political landscape, especially about his perceived sway over President-elect Donald J. Trump. Initially, Loomer expressed gratitude to Musk when her account was reinstated in late 2022, praising his commitment to “free speech.” However, her tone has changed, along with those of other right-wing commentators, who are now cautioning that Musk may overshadow their agenda. Criticism has ramped up following recent actions taken by X, which included suspending accounts and blocking links to articles highlighting concerns about Musk. Many conservatives feel deceived after Musk had actively campaigned for Trump and now worry that issues important to them may become secondary to Musk's interests. The tension intensified after Musk publicly criticized Nigel Farage, a notable ally of Trump, further alienating certain factions of the right-wing community.As Musk navigates his controversial role within the right, figures who once rallied behind him are now questioning whether he will support their values or prioritize his trajectory.
