In a recent interview with The Times newspaper, Bill Gates expressed concerns about Elon Musk’s involvement in foreign politics, particularly in the UK and Germany, Business Insider reports.
Gates, the Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist, called it “insane” that Musk’s actions could potentially destabilize political situations in other countries, referring to the entrepreneur’s vocal influence on European politics.
Musk, known for his outspoken views, has recently become increasingly involved in political matters across Europe. His comments have attracted attention, including his remarks on the UK’s political landscape. Earlier this month, Musk openly criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing him of failing to prevent the rape of girls during his tenure as the country’s chief prosecutor. Musk’s statements have drawn both support and backlash, but Gates believes such influence should be checked.
Gates went further, suggesting that Musk, given his substantial wealth and platform, should refrain from advising citizens on who to vote for in foreign elections. He pointed to the ethical concerns surrounding foreign interference in national elections, remarking that, in the US, foreign donations to political campaigns are prohibited for a reason. Gates implied that other countries should consider similar safeguards to prevent the wealth of individuals like Musk from distorting their political processes.
Musk’s political engagement has continued to evolve, most recently involving Germany’s upcoming national elections. The Tesla CEO attended a virtual rally for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has been described as far-right, and praised its “controlled immigration policy” in an op-ed. Musk’s outspoken nature has led to growing concerns over the extent of his influence, with Gates arguing that individuals with Musk’s level of intelligence and wealth should focus on more targeted, constructive contributions rather than stirring up populist sentiments.
Despite their differences, it’s clear that Gates and Musk have frequently found themselves at odds. A notable previous disagreement between the two occurred in 2021, when Gates made it clear that he wasn’t interested in space exploration, an area where Musk is a prominent figure through his company, SpaceX. Gates emphasized his preference for investing in global health and vaccines over space travel.
While Gates has voiced his concerns about Musk’s approach to politics, Musk’s influence continues to grow, both in the US and internationally. His financial backing of political candidates, including significant support for former President Donald Trump, has led to speculation about the billionaire’s increasing political clout. Whether or not Musk will heed Gates’ advice on limiting his political interventions remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: Musk’s involvement in the global political arena is unlikely to diminish anytime soon.
