Elon Musk has publicly accused mainstream media of fueling assassination threats against him and President Donald Trump. This comes after Der Spiegel, a prominent German news outlet, labeled Musk “Public Enemy No. 2” behind Trump, highlighting their combined influence on U.S. politics. Musk has responded by blaming what he calls “legacy media” for encouraging extremist individuals to commit acts of violence.
During a Pittsburgh town hall event, Musk discussed the heightened political environment, particularly as the 2024 election approaches. He noted the danger of being portrayed as a threat, stating, “With their relentless hit pieces, legacy mainstream media are actively encouraging the assassination of @realDonaldTrump and now me.” Musk has been an ardent supporter of Trump, recently pledging financial backing for pro-Trump political efforts.
In light of these media attacks, Musk revealed that he is enhancing his security measures. “I’m definitely upgrading my security. Guess I better cancel that open-car parade,” he joked, alluding to the assassination of President Kennedy. Musk added that while he does not seek to escalate tensions, he feels compelled to stay involved in political discourse due to the high stakes for the country.
Musk also touched on the rising hostility from left-leaning media outlets, commenting that while right-wing individuals may view their political opponents as misguided, they do not exhibit the same level of hatred. He described the left’s behavior as “next level,” expressing concern over the growing intensity of political rhetoric aimed at himself and Trump.