Elon Musk Tests His Political Influence Across the Atlantic

After backing Trump’s successful 2024 bid to return to the White House, Musk has waded into political debates throughout Europe.

President-elect Donald Trump speaks alongside Elon Musk (C) and congressional members, including (L-R) Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), before attending a viewing of the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket in Brownsville, Texas, on Nov. 19, 2024. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

European leaders are reacting as billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk is increasingly weighing in on European political debates.

Musk, the wealthiest man in the world, has substantially grown his political influence in recent years. Since purchasing Twitter in 2022, he’s gained a powerful bullhorn and has welcomed many once-marginalized dissident voices back onto the social media platform, renamed X.