British Backlash Over Robinson Support
Elon Musk has stepped up his involvement in European politics, backing anti-immigration figures while maintaining support for skilled migration in America.
The tech tycoon called for British authorities to release Tommy Robinson, the former English Defence League founder serving an 18-month sentence. Robinson breached court orders by repeating claims about a Syrian refugee schoolboy that judges ruled defamatory.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting pushed back against Musk’s stance. “Some of Musk’s criticisms are misjudged and certainly misinformed,” Streeting told reporters on Friday.
German Election Interference Claims
In Germany, Musk wrote an opinion piece backing the Alternative for Germany party ahead of February’s election, calling it “the last spark of hope for this country.” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz responded that he would stay “cool” about Musk’s personal attacks while noting concerns about election meddling.
Split with Reform UK
After meeting Nigel Farage at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in December, Musk discussed donating up to £100 million to Farage’s Reform UK party. But the alliance soured when Farage distanced himself from Robinson, leading Musk to call for new Reform leadership.
Growing Labour Opposition
Labour MPs voiced alarm at Musk’s growing sway over British politics. Stella Creasy told Politico: “Musk’s support not just for Tommy Robinson, but also the AfD in Germany, shows how big a problem he is for democracy.”
Health Minister Andrew Gwynne suggested Musk “ought to focus on issues on the other side of the Atlantic” during a radio interview with LBC. The minister defended the government’s handling of historical abuse cases that Musk had criticised on social media.
Republican Split Over Immigration
The billionaire’s European stance is at odds with his American position. As incoming head of the Department of Government Efficiency under Donald Trump, Musk sparked Republican divisions by backing H-1B visas for skilled workers, a program that allows companies to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations.
Musk’s support pushed Trump to break with GOP hardliners, creating what CNN called “no modern precedent” for someone of Musk’s wealth and power to lead such an internal party split.
Future Implications
Musk plans to interview AfD leader Alice Weidel on his social platform X before Germany’s February election. His role in Trump’s incoming administration raises questions about how his European political ties might shape American foreign policy.
The gap between blocking general immigration and welcoming skilled workers often blurs in real policy choices. The tech mogul’s contradictory approach – backing immigration restrictions in Europe while fighting his own party over skilled migration in America – mirrors his business interests.
Back home, Musk’s Tesla factories need skilled workers, while his social media platform X benefits from political engagement across borders.
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