LONDON — U.K. lawmakers are grappling with the possibility of fast-tracking new legislation aimed at curbing foreign influence in national elections. This comes after far-right leader Nigel Farage revealed that Elon Musk could potentially donate to his Reform UK party, marking the latest chapter in the billionaire’s expanding political influence.
What began as Musk’s outspoken criticism of political correctness in the U.S. has evolved into a broader alignment with far-right movements, pushing governments on both sides of the Atlantic to confront his growing political and cultural sway.
Last week, Farage told the BBC that his party was engaged in “ongoing negotiations” with Musk, following a meeting between the two at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. While Musk, a South Africa-born U.S. citizen, is banned from directly donating to a British political party, he could potentially funnel contributions through U.K.-based subsidiaries of his companies, which reportedly made £90 million in profits in the last two years. Farage added, “He wants to help us. He’s not opposed to the idea of giving us money, provided we can do it legally through U.K. companies.”
The U.K.’s Electoral Commission has urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to strengthen regulations on political donations to shield elections from foreign interference, according to the Guardian. Proposed reforms could impose limits on how much foreign nationals can contribute via U.K.-based companies.
Although some lawmakers are resisting these changes, Musk's discussions with Farage in Florida have spurred action from U.K. lawmakers, highlighting the billionaire’s influence far beyond the tech world.
Musk, who was once a self-identified centrist and a donor to Hillary Clinton’s campaign, has increasingly aligned with far-right ideologies. He frequently criticizes what he calls the “woke mind virus” and advocates anti-immigration rhetoric. His shift mirrors the rise of far-right parties globally, including France's National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, and Geert Wilders' anti-Islam party in the Netherlands.
Musk's encounter with Farage is not the first time the U.K. has had to deal with the billionaire's political views. He has publicly clashed with center-left leader Starmer, accusing the U.K. of being a “tyrannical police state,” calling for a general election shortly after Starmer became prime minister, and sharing a video from a jailed far-right activist. Across Europe, Musk has openly supported Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which is under surveillance by Germany’s intelligence agency for suspected extremism. The AfD’s leader, Björn Höcke, has faced court rulings for using Nazi rhetoric, though he has appealed.
Musk’s endorsement of the AfD came ahead of Germany's snap elections following Chancellor Olaf Scholz's loss of a confidence vote. Musk stated, “Only the AfD can save Germany” on social media, just hours before a deadly attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, where the suspect was found to sympathize with far-right movements, including the AfD.
Earlier this year, Musk praised Italy’s far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at a New York event, describing her as a “precious genius” and “even more beautiful on the inside than she is on the outside.”
Meanwhile, Musk has cultivated relationships with global leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reports indicate Musk met with Xi during a 2023 dinner in San Francisco. Tesla’s significant operations in China, including the Gigafactory in Shanghai, further entrench Musk’s ties to the country.
Regarding Musk’s influence on foreign policy, a former U.S. intelligence official expressed concern to NBC News, noting, “I’m more concerned about conflicts of interest. Under any other normal circumstance, that would not be permitted, but now we are in a different rule set when it’s Trump.”
In the U.S., Musk’s political power is already evident, having influenced the congressional spending process alongside Trump, even pushing the government to the brink of a shutdown. His ability to affect U.S. policy underscores his growing political influence, which could soon extend well beyond American borders.
0 Comments