KEY BACKGROUND
While Musk still has supporters in France, particularly among some free-market, tech and right-wing voters, the overall tone of French media and political discourse has become increasingly negative toward the world’s richest man. French President Emmanuel Macron publicly joined other European leaders in criticizing Musk for what they said were attempts to influence political conversations in Europe. France has also taken a relatively aggressive stance toward regulating online platforms and has investigated X over allegations related to algorithmic transparency, moderation practices, personal data handling, and the spread of harmful content, moves Musk has characterized as politically motivated.
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TANGENT
Musk has often supported right-wing and far-right groups and candidates, including Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain party and Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany party. He’s also been accused of amplifying far-right voices in Europe, including extremist Tommy Robinson and Ashlea Simon, co-founder of the white supremacist group Britain First. After he endorsed Alternative for Germany, former German chancellor Olaf Scholz called Musk’s involvement in German politics “completely unacceptable.” Friedrich Merz, current chancellor of Germany, also criticized Musk’s endorsement of AfD despite being on the center-right himself.
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FORBES VALUATION
Musk earlier this year became the world’s first trillionaire after taking his rocketmaker company SpaceX public. As of Thursday, he’s worth an estimated $855.6 billion.
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further reading
ForbesWisconsin Officials Find Probable Cause Elon Musk Violated Election Bribery LawsBy Sara Dorn
ForbesMusk Boosts Controversial Film Which Sees Vigilante Target Immigrant CriminalsBy Siladitya RayForbesGermany’s Leader Blasts Musk’s Support For Right-Wing Global Politicians—Here’s Where Else He’s IntervenedBy Sara Dorn and Derek Saul