NewsMusk's European clash: Tension rises with Brussels comments

Musk's European clash: Tension rises with Brussels comments

In Brussels, there is significant displeasure regarding recent comments made by Elon Musk, the creator of SpaceX and Tesla, about the European Commission. This is not the first time there has been tension in their relationship. Meanwhile, the billionaire's influence, after spending the last few weeks alongside President-elect Donald Trump, is growing.

Elon Musk with his son in Congress, December 5, 2024.
Elon Musk with his son in Congress, December 5, 2024.
Images source: © Getty Images | Anna Moneymaker
Marta Bellon

Since November 5, when Donald Trump won the American presidential election, Elon Musk's standing as one of the wealthiest individuals in the world has been on the rise. Musk appears to be following the president-elect closely. He listens to conversations with key political figures and even spent Thanksgiving with him. Some people consequently refer to him as the vice president and question if he is replacing JD Vance.

Tensions between Musk and Brussels

Musk has frequently made controversial statements, resulting in waves of criticism. He has commented on NATO (questioning "why NATO continued to exist") and Ukraine (mocking the words of President Zelensky). Recently, he described the European Commission as an "undemocratic" institution.

Earlier in August, Musk accused the EU of meddling in U.S. internal affairs when the former Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, sent him an open letter. Breton warned against the spread of harmful content on X and imposing a political narrative in connection with a planned live broadcast of an interview with Donald Trump on the platform.

American media estimate that the billionaire contributed at least CAD 380 million to Donald Trump's campaign. Critics argue that this amount should include the sum he paid for Twitter (now X), where he and other Trump supporters disseminated extensive content in support of Republicans while vigorously attacking the Democratic candidate.

European Commission spokeswoman sharply reacts to Musk's words: Interference in internal politics

Musk's recent comments regarding the EC were predictably not well received in Brussels. European Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho remarked this week that the billionaire's statement about the "undemocratic" EC is an attempt to interfere in the internal politics of the European Union.

Pinho, however, did not comment on remarks made by U.S. Vice President-elect JD Vance. In September, during the election campaign, on a television program, Vance threatened the European Commission that the U.S. might withdraw its support for NATO if the EU does not cease enforcing European digital regulations on platforms. Particularly on X. The EC spokeswoman said that this is clear interference in our internal politics, and she was not going to address it.

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