Janice R. Andrews
Elon Musk’s controversial actions on X, formerly known as Twitter, are sparking global concern. His trolling of officials, promotion of conspiracy theories, and endorsement of far-right ideologies have led to growing calls for the German government to leave the platform. Organizations and prominent figures in Germany and beyond are already part of a growing exodus.
High-Profile Departures Underscore Platform Shift
X has seen significant departures, including basketball star LeBron James, horror writer Stephen King, and the British newspaper The Guardian, all of whom left after Donald Trump’s re-election in November 2024. On Friday, more than 60 German universities joined the exodus, citing the platform’s increasingly polarizing environment under Musk’s leadership.
Since Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in 2022 and its subsequent rebranding, his tenure has been marked by controversy. Although he initially promised political neutrality, his actions suggest a clear drift toward far-right ideologies. Many banned accounts linked to hate speech and misinformation have been reinstated, creating concerns about the platform’s direction.
Germany Targeted by Musk’s Provocations
Musk’s provocations have not been limited to the U.S.; his comments have stirred debates in Germany as well. He has openly criticized German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, calling him a “fool,” and labeled Germany’s largely ceremonial President Frank-Walter Steinmeier a “tyrant.” Musk has also endorsed the nationalist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, declaring it as Germany’s only hope.
Further cementing his political stance, Musk recently hosted a live discussion with Alice Weidel, the AfD co-leader and chancellor candidate. His alignment with far-right ideologies has fueled outrage in Germany, with critics accusing him of interfering in European Union politics.
Chancellor Scholz, however, has chosen not to engage. In an interview with Stern magazine, he said, “It’s the will of the citizens that counts in Germany, not the erratic statements of a U.S. billionaire.”
The Danger of Musk’s Influence
Experts warn that X’s algorithms and Musk’s interventions are creating an environment that amplifies far-right content. Digital media researcher Colin Henry explained that as left-leaning users leave the platform, it creates a vacuum where extremist voices gain prominence.
Science fiction writer and internet activist Cory Doctorow also warned of Musk’s growing influence, particularly during tight elections. “Even a small shift in voter turnout can disrupt political balances,” Doctorow noted. He attributed Musk’s power to decades of weakened monopoly regulations, which have allowed billionaires like him to operate with minimal accountability.
Doctorow suggested that fighting back against Musk’s provocations could be a smart political strategy for Chancellor Scholz. “Musk isn’t particularly intelligent, but his wealth and influence have built a myth around him. Debunking that myth in real-time could be effective,” he said.
Growing Pressure to Quit X
German Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Ferda Ataman has urged the government to abandon X, calling it “a tool of political influence for the world’s richest man.”
Many German organizations and figures have already left the platform. Bavaria’s digitalization minister Fabian Mehring quit after Musk endorsed the AfD. Other notable departures include former Berlin state secretary Sawsan Chebli and federal lawmakers Jamila Schäfer and Misbah Khan. These figures, along with dozens of institutions, have denounced X as a hub for “censorship, racism, antisemitism, and right-wing agenda-setting.”
Even cultural institutions, like Munich’s Jewish Museum and a center documenting Nazi crimes, have ceased using the platform. This trend reflects a broader rejection of the platform’s current trajectory.
Government’s Reluctance to Leave
Despite mounting criticism, the German government remains hesitant to abandon X. Spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit emphasized the importance of being present where citizens seek information. “We need to be where the people are,” he said, though he acknowledged concerns about the platform’s sustainability.
The government continues to weigh the risks of staying against the potential fallout of leaving. For now, officials have decided that maintaining a presence on X is necessary, even as they monitor the platform’s evolving dynamics.
Challenges of Staying on X
Henry pointed out that government officials and organizations face increasing challenges on X. Messages are often overshadowed by hate speech and conspiracy theories, especially during critical events like natural disasters.
Hebestreit also addressed concerns about Musk’s growing influence in elections, remarking that even billionaires have the right to express opinions. However, he noted, “Being a multibillionaire doesn’t make you immune to talking nonsense, as X demonstrates daily.”
Broader Implications
The debate over leaving X underscores larger concerns about the unchecked power of tech billionaires in global politics. Musk’s alignment with far-right ideologies and his ability to amplify their messages raise questions about accountability in the digital space.
As more organizations and users leave X, the platform risks becoming a closed echo chamber for extremist voices. This shift further alienates moderate and progressive perspectives, potentially exacerbating polarization.
The German government’s decision to remain on X will set a precedent for other nations grappling with similar issues. Whether to engage on platforms dominated by controversial figures like Musk is a question with significant implications for democratic communication.
The Path Forward
While Chancellor Scholz’s strategy of ignoring Musk’s provocations may avoid short-term conflict, the long-term consequences of staying on X remain uncertain. Public trust in the platform continues to erode, and the government may face increasing pressure to reevaluate its stance.
As the platform’s direction under Musk grows more controversial, its role in shaping public discourse becomes ever more divisive. Germany’s decision—whether to remain or exit—could serve as a litmus test for how democracies respond to the challenges posed by unregulated digital platforms.
For now, X’s future as a global communication platform hangs in the balance. Musk’s polarizing actions are reshaping the digital landscape, leaving governments, institutions, and individuals to navigate the fallout.
