Elon Musk: The Harmless Billionaire Who Never, Ever Said Anything Problematic

Ah, Elon Musk - the world’s most misunderstood genius, philanthropist, and, apparently, a victim of society’s relentless need to twist his words into something offensive. Recently, Musk took to his favorite platform, formerly known as Twitter, now lovingly called X, to remind us all that he has never done anything harmful. Not once. Ever.

But what does "harmful" really mean? In philosophy, harm is dissected in various ways. John Stuart Mill (1863) in Utilitarianism emphasized consequences - if Musk’s statements incite division or spread falsehoods, then yes, they cause harm. Kant (1785) in Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals argued that ethics exist regardless of outcomes, so even if Musk thinks he’s harmless, he still bears moral responsibility. Judith Shklar (1989), in The Faces of Injustice, warned about how those in power can normalize harm, sometimes without realizing it. If we take these ideas seriously, Musk’s words and actions carry weight beyond his own claims of innocence.

Musk’s Political Power Grab: The Billionaire Kingmaker

Musk is no longer just a tech mogul - he’s a political force. In the 2024 election cycle, he became the biggest political donor, pouring over $259 million into Republican candidates and Trump-aligned PACs (Reuters, 2024). That’s not just influence, that’s outright control. When the richest man alive funds politics at this scale, democracy starts looking like a pay-to-win game as he becomes a political figure himself with his DOGE team.

And it's not just money. Musk's grip on X gives him a megaphone to shape narratives. He reinstates far-right figures under the banner of "free speech" while banning journalists and critics (Washington Post, 2023). He amplifies conspiracy theories but censors dissent. In December 2024, he outright endorsed Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, claiming, "Only the AfD can save Germany" (BBC, 2024). Turns out, the billionaire "who just wants free speech" has some very specific favorites.

Then there's the Dogecoin hustle. His tweets have repeatedly pumped and dumped the cryptocurrency, sending prices soaring or crashing at will (CNBC, 2023). But sure, he’s just a guy having fun on the internet, right?

That One Time He Called a Scottish Politician a Racist and a Scumbag

Language shapes perception. According to linguistic relativity theory, the way we speak changes how we think (Whorf, 1956). So when Musk publicly attacked Humza Yousaf, Scotland’s former First Minister, calling him a "racist" and a "scumbag," it wasn’t just an insult - it was a way to undermine a political leader while reinforcing certain power dynamics. Repeated verbal attacks like these degrade public discourse, making democratic debate look more like a playground brawl.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion? More Like Propaganda!

Ever heard of the "just-world hypothesis"? It’s the cognitive bias where people convince themselves that inequalities are either deserved or don’t exist (Lerner, 1980). Musk plays right into this by calling DEI efforts "propaganda," which helps his followers pretend structural discrimination isn’t real. Meanwhile, actual research proves that diverse workplaces lead to stronger innovation and productivity (Hofhuis et al., 2016). But why let data get in the way of a good culture war?

Musk’s Nazi Salute Controversy: A Disturbing Gesture

In early 2025, Musk found himself at the center of a firestorm when he made a controversial salute during a rally celebrating President Trump’s second inauguration. The gesture, widely interpreted as a Nazi or fascist salute, was caught on camera and quickly circulated on social media.

The act drew intense backlash from various organizations, including Jewish advocacy groups, political commentators, and European politicians, who condemned the gesture as an alarming endorsement of far-right ideology. Musk’s response was typical - dismissive and defiant, further fueling the outrage. His critics argue that the salute was not only an overtly troubling display of support for dangerous ideologies, but also a reflection of Musk’s growing ties to far-right political movements. The incident raised significant questions about the influence of billionaires on politics and the normalization of extremist rhetoric in mainstream discourse.

Musk and His Transphobia: A Love Story

Medical research debunks the myth that hormone therapy makes trans individuals unstable or violent (Wierckx et al., 2013). But Musk, a man with zero background in endocrinology, still spreads misinformation that fuels discrimination. Whether through ignorance or malice, the result is the same - more stigma, more harm. And guess what? His own daughter is a trans person who cut all ties with Musk.

The Art of Business and Manipulation

Musk’s actions aren’t just about words - they’re about control. His chaotic takeover of Twitter was less about free speech and more about owning the world’s loudest microphone. The entire X acquisition was a legal mess, filled with backtracking, lawsuits, and stock market manipulation (Economist, 2023). But sure, that’s just how geniuses operate.

Then there’s the Tesla stock scandal. Remember when he tweeted "funding secured" in 2018, claiming he’d take Tesla private? Turns out, it wasn’t secured at all, and the SEC fined him for market manipulation (SEC Report, 2018). But to his fans, that’s just part of his quirky charm.

2025: A Year of Escalating Controversies

The year 2025 has seen Musk's actions continue to stir controversy:

• Political Donations and Legal Challenges: In March 2025, Musk donated $1 million to a Wisconsin voter ahead of the state's Supreme Court election, drawing criticism as an attempt to influence the court, where a Tesla lawsuit is pending (AP News, 2025). Critics argue this undermines judicial impartiality.

• Proposed Legislation in New York: New York lawmakers introduced a bill to revoke Tesla’s permits for direct sales in the state, citing concerns over Musk's political affiliations and influence (Politico, 2025). This move reflects growing scrutiny of Musk's political involvement and its impact on his business interests.

• Tesla Vehicle Recalls: Tesla recalled nearly all Cybertrucks produced in 2024 and 2025 due to a safety issue where the trim panel can detach, creating a road hazard (People, 2025). This recall adds to a series of safety concerns surrounding Tesla vehicles.

• Mass Protests Against Tesla: A planned mass protest targeting 500 Tesla showrooms worldwide is set for March 29, 2025. The "Tesla Takedown" movement opposes Musk's role in the Department of Government Efficiency, highlighting concerns over his political influence and business practices (Business Insider, 2025).

• Conflicts of Interest Highlighted: Experts have raised alarms about Musk's potential conflicts of interest due to his business ventures and role in the Trump administration, suggesting these entanglements should concern every American (The Guardian, 2025)..

• Support for U.S. Exit from NATO and UN: Musk sparked controversy by expressing support for the U.S. to withdraw from NATO and the UN, aligning with his history of questioning the relevance of international organizations (Business Insider, 2025).
  

Conclusion: The Harmless, Perfect, Completely Innocent Musk

So, has Musk really never done anything harmful? If harm means physical violence, then sure, he’s not that type of a villain. But if harm means distorting truth, deepening divisions, and legitimizing dangerous ideas while having enormous media attention, then the evidence speaks for itself.

Rather than taking Musk’s word for it, let’s look at the facts. History shows that when powerful figures claim moral innocence, they usually deserve the most scrutiny.

Gabriel