White House Condemns Elon Musk’s Post Suggesting Assassination Attempts on Biden and Harris
The controversial CEO of X (formerly Twitter) and Tesla, Elon Musk, once again finds himself in hot water following a social media post that sparked widespread concern. Over the weekend, Musk questioned why there haven’t been publicly known assassination attempts on current U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. His inflammatory statement quickly drew backlash, forcing him to delete the post. The White House responded on Monday, issuing a statement condemning Musk’s remarks, calling for a halt to any form of violence.
The Controversial Post: What Did Musk Say?
On Sunday, Elon Musk, known for his unfiltered and often provocative online presence, responded to a post on his platform, X, which questioned why former President Donald Trump was a target for assassination attempts. Musk’s post read, “And no one is even trying to assassinate Biden/Kamala,” sparking immediate controversy. The statement followed an alleged second attempt on Trump’s life, raising eyebrows about the CEO’s intent.
The Backlash: Why Musk’s Words Matter
Musk’s comment didn’t sit well with many users of the platform. Immediately after the post, users flooded the comments section, urging him to take it down. In his defense, Musk stated that his point was not to advocate for violence, but to highlight that no known attempts had been made on Biden or Harris.
However, the gravity of the topic—especially considering the recent attempts on Trump’s life—left many uneasy. Among the chorus of critics, one post from tech entrepreneur Phil Trubey finally convinced Musk to delete the tweet. Trubey noted that people often misinterpret the “obvious intent” behind Musk’s statements, which ultimately led to Musk removing the tweet.
Despite Musk deleting the post, it had already garnered significant attention, with more than 40 million impressions. The incident highlighted the powerful reach of Musk’s social media presence and the real-world consequences of his statements.
Musk’s Attempt at Damage Control
After removing the controversial post, Musk tried to downplay the situation by labeling his original tweet a “joke.” In a follow-up post, he explained that the statement had been made as a lighthearted comment to a group of friends before he shared it online. He admitted, however, that humor doesn’t always translate well on social media, stating, “Turns out that jokes are WAY less funny if people don’t know the context and the delivery is plain text.”
While Musk may have intended the comment as a joke, the serious nature of political violence in the U.S. made it anything but funny for many. His attempt to brush it off as humor only further fueled the debate surrounding the responsibility of public figures when making such statements.
The White House Response
Following Musk’s post and its removal, the White House released a statement addressing the CEO’s inflammatory remarks. On Monday, the administration underscored the seriousness of political violence in the United States.
“As President Biden and Vice President Harris said after yesterday’s disturbing news, ‘there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country,’ and ‘we all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence,’” the statement read.
The White House further criticized Musk’s post, calling it “irresponsible rhetoric” and noting that violence should never be encouraged, even in jest. The administration’s statement was a clear rebuke of Musk’s casual attitude toward the potential assassination of political leaders.
Musk’s Political Ties: A Closer Look
It’s important to note Musk’s growing political involvement in recent years. The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX has never been shy about his views, often leaning toward libertarian principles. In July 2024, Musk publicly endorsed Donald Trump for the upcoming presidential election, even claiming that he would be offered a cabinet position in Trump’s administration if he were to win.
While Musk’s endorsement of Trump has earned him praise from some conservatives, it has also increased scrutiny on his political statements. His recent post about Biden and Harris has only added to the controversy, putting his political loyalties and public rhetoric under a magnifying glass.
The Second Attempt on Trump’s Life: What Happened in Florida?
The context of Musk’s controversial post stems from an apparent second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. On Sunday, Trump was playing a round of golf in Florida when Secret Service agents spotted an armed man with a rifle nearby. The agents fired at the man, who fled the scene in a black Nissan SUV. He was later apprehended and detained by authorities. The FBI has since launched an investigation into the incident, classifying it as a potential assassination attempt.
This event marked the second such attempt on Trump’s life. The first occurred earlier in the summer at a rally in Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed Trump, although he was not seriously injured. These events highlight the ongoing threats faced by political figures in the U.S. and underscore the seriousness of Musk’s ill-advised comment.
The Responsibility of Public Figures in the Age of Social Media
Elon Musk’s role as a powerful public figure and owner of a major social media platform raises critical questions about the responsibility that comes with such influence. With millions of followers, Musk’s words carry weight and can easily incite controversy or even violence if misinterpreted.
While Musk may have seen his comment as a joke, the nature of political violence in America, combined with the influence he wields, makes these kinds of statements deeply problematic. As the owner of X, he is not just another user; he is the gatekeeper of a platform that shapes public discourse. This incident serves as a reminder that with great power comes great responsibility.
