Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has openly criticised Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and owner of X (formerly Twitter), for his support of far-right politicians and alleged interference in the political affairs of other nations, including the United Kingdom.
In a recent interview, with UK's The Sunday Times, Gates described Musk's actions as "insane", expressing concern over the potentially destabilising effects of such involvement.
Gates highlighted instances where Musk has publicly endorsed extreme figures, such as British anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson, suggesting that this support extends beyond mainstream right-wing leaders like Nigel Farage, a prominent proponent of Brexit.
Musk has also recently accused British politicians of concealing a historical rape scandal and has shown support for Germany's far-right, anti-immigrant party, Alternative für Deutschland (AfD).
Reflecting on Musk's influence, Gates remarked, "It's really insane that he can destabilise the political situations in countries. I think in the US foreigners aren’t allowed to give money; other countries maybe should adopt safeguards to make sure super-rich foreigners aren’t distorting their elections."
Gates also questioned Musk's focus on UK political issues, considering his extensive business commitments across multiple countries, including car manufacturing in China and Germany, and his significant involvement in the aerospace sector, which relies heavily on international cooperation.
He stated, "It’s difficult to understand why someone who has a car factory in both China and in Germany, whose rocket business is ultra-dependent on relationships with sovereign nations and who is busy cutting $2 trillion in US government expenses and running five companies, is obsessing about this grooming story in the UK. I’m like, what?"
This public disagreement underscores the contrasting approaches of two of the world's most influential technology leaders regarding political engagement and the responsibilities that accompany their substantial platforms.
