Elon Musk's Online Rhetoric: A Deep Dive

Elon Musk, the wealthiest person globally, has been highly active on X, his social media platform. Over the past month, he has posted, replied, or shared content 1,716 times, averaging about 55 posts per day. His posts cover a wide range of topics, from politics to his companies, but a significant portion focuses on politically charged issues.

Political Engagement

Nearly half of his posts during this period were about politics. He has been vocal about crime, immigration, and judges, often aligning with far-right views. He has shared controversial ideas, such as:

• The antisemitic "great replacement" conspiracy theory
• The baseless claim that the FBI staged the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol

Focus on Crime and Immigration

Musk's posts about crime are frequent, despite crime rates falling. He often targets judges and prosecutors, accusing them of being too lenient, especially in cases involving Black defendants and white victims. He has also criticized immigration, both in the U.S. and globally, warning about the supposed negative impacts of mass immigration.

Promoting His Companies

His posts about his companies, particularly his AI startup, xAI, are also frequent. He uses his platform to promote his businesses and engage with his followers. However, his political posts often overshadow his business-related ones.

Concerns About Influence and Misinformation

Musk's online activity has raised concerns about his influence and the spread of misinformation. His posts often reflect extreme views and conspiracy theories, which can have a significant impact given his large following. His political influence remains strong, even without a formal role in government.