Tech billionaire Elon Musk found himself at the center of controversy over a now-deleted social media post that made light of potential assassination attempts on President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The post, shared on Musk’s platform X (formerly Twitter), prompted the US Secret Service to announce it was “aware” of the comments, though no formal investigation has been confirmed.
The incident unfolded shortly after an alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at his golf course in Florida, adding further tension to the already charged political atmosphere. Musk, a known Trump ally, wrote in the post, “no one is even trying” to assassinate Biden or Harris, accompanied by a raised eyebrow emoji, sparking outrage from various corners of the internet.
While Musk has since deleted the post and stated that it was intended as a joke, the backlash it generated underscores the sensitivities surrounding political violence in the United States, particularly in an era of heightened polarization and social media-driven discourse.
Political Violence in the Spotlight
Musk’s comments come at a time when the US remains deeply divided politically, with recent years seeing an increase in violent rhetoric and attacks on public figures. In light of this, Musk’s post raised alarm among many X users, who condemned the remark as irresponsible, even suggesting it bordered on incitement against the current US President and Vice President.
Critics pointed to the fact that Musk’s platform, X, has increasingly become a haven for politically charged discourse since his takeover, and his personal comments can often amplify such discussions. Many expressed concern that his words, even if meant in jest, carry significant weight given his massive influence—Musk commands an audience of over 150 million followers on X.
In a statement following the controversy, the White House was quick to condemn the post, labeling it as “irresponsible rhetoric.” The administration emphasized that violence in any form should never be joked about or encouraged. “There should be no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country,” the statement read, underscoring the gravity with which the Biden administration viewed Musk’s comment.
Secret Service Reaction
The US Secret Service, tasked with protecting the President, Vice President, and other key figures, has taken notice of Musk’s post but has refrained from disclosing details of any formal investigation. In response to an inquiry from the BBC, the agency stated that it is “aware” of the post, but as a matter of policy, declined to comment further on ongoing intelligence matters. The agency did, however, confirm that it investigates all threats related to its protectees, ensuring that any potential dangers are promptly addressed.
Musk’s Response
In the aftermath of the backlash, Musk deleted the post and followed up with a series of tweets explaining his intentions. He admitted that the post was poorly received and clarified that it was meant to be humorous. “One lesson I’ve learned is that just because I say something to a group and they laugh doesn’t mean it’s going to be all that hilarious as a post on X,” Musk tweeted.
In a subsequent post, Musk acknowledged that humor often falls flat without the proper context, particularly when delivered in plain text. While some accepted Musk’s explanation as a clumsy joke, others remained unconvinced, with many continuing to highlight the irresponsibility of making light of assassination, especially given the political climate.
Musk’s Political Ties
Musk’s comment comes against the backdrop of his growing political alliance with Trump. The former president has publicly praised Musk, and reports indicate that Trump intends to involve Musk in a potential second administration, tasking him with leading a “government efficiency commission” to streamline government operations.
The timing of Musk’s post, just hours after the suspected attempt on Trump’s life, further added to the political complexity of the situation. Trump himself survived an attempted assassination on July 13, during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman fired multiple rounds, injuring the former president and fatally wounding an attendee. Since then, Musk has frequently voiced his support for Trump while criticizing Biden and Harris.
While Musk may have intended his remarks as a joke, the reaction serves as a reminder of the sensitivities surrounding political violence in the current American landscape, where even offhand comments can have significant consequences. As the 2024 election looms, such incidents are likely to heighten the scrutiny on public figures, including Musk, who wield considerable influence over political discourse.
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