Elon Musk has accused mainstream media of encouraging violence against him and former President Donald Trump, following a Der Spiegel article that labeled him “Public Enemy No. 2.” Musk, who has been a vocal supporter of Trump, says that media outlets are fueling political hatred, putting both men in danger.
During a town hall event in Pittsburgh, Musk addressed the political climate as the 2024 election nears. He pointed to the Der Spiegel cover story, which portrayed him and Trump as threats to democracy, as an example of how the media is inciting violence. “With their relentless hit pieces, legacy mainstream media are actively encouraging the assassination of @realDonaldTrump and now me,” Musk said on X.
Musk has pledged significant financial support to pro-Trump efforts and emphasized the importance of free speech and fair elections. He announced that he is increasing his personal security, referencing the assassination of President Kennedy in a joke about canceling open-car parades. Despite the risks, Musk remains committed to his political engagement, saying that the stakes are too high for him to step back.
He also spoke about the increasing hostility from left-wing media, describing the level of hatred as “next level.” Musk contrasted this with the behavior of the political right, noting that conservatives tend to disagree with the left without harboring the same level of animosity.
