Elon Musk has found himself embroiled in political controversies across Europe, drawing ire from leaders for his involvement in regional politics. The Tesla CEO's support for Germany's far-right AfD party has sparked criticism from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron, who condemned Musk's interference in European elections. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed disapproval, following Musk's criticism of his handling of child grooming issues.
The European Union is considering sanctions against Musk, with lawmakers calling for an investigation into his potential violations of the Digital Services Act due to his use of the platform X. Additionally, discussions between Italy and SpaceX about government communication encryption have raised further concerns.
Musk's political actions have not gone unnoticed by the AfD, who celebrate him as a champion of free speech. However, this has led to a polarized reception among Tesla workers in Grünheide, many of whom are migrants and hold differing political views.
The tech billionaire's influence extends beyond Europe, as seen in his interactions with former President Donald Trump, with whom he shares a contentious yet strategic alliance. European leaders remain wary of Musk's growing sway in political arenas.
