As the US elections approach, Elon Musk, the billionaire behind X, has been using the platform to amplify his political views.
On July 26, Musk shared a video featuring a deepfake of vice president and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, leading to controversy over its authenticity. Musk’s recent political discourse has stirred debate and criticism.
Following Musk’s public endorsement of former president Donald Trump, he has spread unfounded theories and insinuated controversial claims, including suggesting a possible failure by the Secret Service in a Trump assassination attempt. Musk’s political involvement grew further when he announced the creation of a pro-Trump PAC, initially pledging significant financial contributions.
Former Twitter employees have voiced concerns about Musk’s politicization of the platform, seeing it as a strategic move to influence public opinion. Some believe Musk’s actions reflect hypocrisy and a quest for power, risking regulatory backlash and loss of credibility.
Recent demands by state officials for changes to X’s AI search tool highlight growing unease over misinformation spread on the platform. Despite requests for comment, Musk and X have remained silent on these issues.
Musk’s controversial involvement in shaping political discourse has roots in his acquisition of Twitter, where he enforced drastic changes, leading to a purge of policy and safety staff. This move has left the platform vulnerable to unchecked misinformation, especially during critical events such as elections.