Elon Musk’s Radical Transformation: From Influential Figure to Right-Wing Agitator
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in the “Reliable Sources” newsletter. Sign up for the daily digest chronicling the evolving media landscape here.
Elon Musk’s Dive into the Right-Wing Media Sphere
The world has witnessed Elon Musk’s transformation into a radicalized figure. As one of the most significant individuals walking the Earth, Musk spent another weekend immersed in the right-wing media sphere, which was evident when his interview with Don Lemon was aired on Monday morning.
Contentious Interview with Don Lemon
During the contentious interview, Musk equated moderating hate speech to “censorship,” criticized the press for legitimate reporting, denounced DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs without substantial evidence, disparaged advertisers who left Twitter last year, and once again lent credence to the racist “Great Replacement” theory, among other things.
Right-Wing Media Fever Swamps
For those not familiar with the intricacies of right-wing media, some of Musk’s comments may have seemed bizarre or unfamiliar. However, in the fever swamps of the right-wing media, where Musk has become deeply entrenched, these issues ignite intense passion and debate.
Musk’s Controversial Online Behavior
Musk’s comments during the premiere episode of Lemon’s new contact show added to a 72-hour posting spree on Twitter, where he raged against the “woke mind virus,” declared its goal as “the destruction of America,” agreed with a user who wrote “Fake News is the Enemy of the People,” called the press the “Biden cheering squad,” accused news media of “lying” about Donald Trump’s “blood bath” comments, labeled NPR a “nice version of Pravda,” alleged Google manipulates search results with left-wing bias, claimed the January 6 insurrection was not a “bloodbath” by any definition, and argued that if there is not a “red wave” in November, “America is doomed.”
From Provocative Right-Wing Shitposter to Influential Figure
At this point, labeling Musk a right-wing shitposter is no longer provocative. It’s simply accurate. And his unsettling behavior is more troubling given that Musk wields immense influence, casting a large shadow across various industries and conducting billions of dollars’ worth of national security business with the US government.
Musk’s Control Over One of the World’s Most Important Communications Platforms
In his ownership of Twitter alone, Musk controls one of the world’s most crucial communications platforms. His corrosive rhetoric pollutes the public discourse at a faster pace than his SpaceX rockets ascend into orbit. In fact, as previous Twitter users can attest, Musk’s posts often appear at the very top of the home feed due to engineering modifications designed to ensure their success.
Musk’s Intolerance towards Other Viewpoints
To make matters worse, Musk seems to be growing increasingly intolerant of opposing viewpoints. While promoting right-wing extremists, he simultaneously works to undermine trust in credible news sources.
Musk’s Hostility Towards Don Lemon
Once upon a time, Musk welcomed having a media personality like Lemon on Twitter. However, his feelings have changed significantly. After their interview was posted contact, Musk attacked Lemon viciously, labeling him a “stupid asshole” and “a bad guy, plain and simple.”
Self-Radicalization on Twitter
In effect, Musk has become self-radicalized on the very platform he was forced to purchase for $44 billion. He continues to descend deeper into the darkest and most unsavory corners of Twitter, surrounded by a echo chamber of conspiracy theorists and sycophants who shower him with praise, no matter how outrageous or false.
Musk’s Influence Extends Beyond Twitter
Unfortunately for the rest of the world, Musk is determined to bring everyone else down into this toxic realm. As the owner of a powerful communications platform and a visionary entrepreneur, his influence extends far beyond Twitter. His actions have serious consequences for the public discourse and the future of our democracy.
