Elon Musk's 5 biggest controversies that will blow your mind

From being hailed as a tech visionary to becoming one of the most divisive figures in global politics and media, Elon Musk’s rise has been anything but ordinary.

However, every other day, the tech world witnesses the Tesla CEO being indulged in a new controversy, especially since the takeover of social media platform Twitter (now X).

Here are some of Musk’s most controversial moments that sent shockwaves through headlines and social media.

The Twitter Takeover

In October 2022, Musk finalised his $44 billion acquisition of Twitter, promptly renaming it X. His promises to champion “free speech” were quickly overshadowed by chaos, mass layoffs, erratic policy changes, and the reinstatement of banned accounts.

However, what made things worse were the platform's reported spikes in hate speech.

Within 24 hours of Musk taking over, watchdog groups documented sharp increases in antisemitic and racist posts.

The Washington Post reported the use of racial slurs surged by over 500%, while the Anti-Defamation League flagged a troubling volume of antisemitic tweets.

Conspiracy theories and the Paul Pelosi attack

Just days into his tenure as X’s new CEO, Musk shared a link to a baseless conspiracy theory about the violent attack on Paul Pelosi, husband of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The post, referencing a fringe website, suggested—without evidence—that the assault may have stemmed from Pelosi’s personal life.

He later deleted the tweet, but the damage had been done. The incident sparked outrage across the political spectrum, fueling concerns that Musk was enabling misinformation at the highest levels.

Nazi salute controversy

In one of the most controversial incidents yet, Musk appeared to make a gesture resembling a Nazi salute during a rally celebrating US President Donald Trump’s 2025 re-election.

While some dismissed the outstretched arm as enthusiastic showmanship, others, including European journalists, insisted it was deliberate.

The Anti-Defamation League initially called it an “awkward gesture,” but later criticised Musk for mocking the controversy online.

Musk’s falling out with Trump

Once considered a close Trump ally with a powerful advisory role, Musk’s relationship with the president deteriorated dramatically in 2025.

The fallout began when Musk criticised a massive federal spending bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination” and later accusing Trump of ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

The feud played out in real time on X, with Musk’s now-deleted posts accusing Trump of dark associations.

Though Musk later admitted he “went too far,” the rift was deep. Trump publicly said he was “not a happy camper.”

Musk’s deep financial involvement in 2025 US elections

The most controversial of all was Musk’s deep financial involvement in US residential elections. 

According to Senator Elizabeth Warren, Musk spent $280 million backing Trump’s re-election.

His PACs also funneled millions into state races, including Wisconsin’s Supreme Court election, where Musk gave out $1 million checks at a rally for conservative candidate Brad Schimel.