Elon Musk’s growing influence is raising concerns among European governments as the billionaire continues to intervene in political matters across the continent.

Musk, the world’s richest man, played a key role in helping Donald Trump return to the White House. However, his political ambitions extend far beyond the U.S.

Over the past six months, Musk has openly expressed his opinions on European politics, often in ways that challenge the establishment.

In the U.K., Musk has accused the country of turning into a “police-controlled state,” criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and even called for new elections just months after Britain’s last vote in July 2024. Musk also publicly backed the right-wing populist Reform UK party, led by Brexit advocate Nigel Farage. The two met at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate before Christmas to discuss political strategies, and reports suggest Musk considered donating $160 million to the party.

Like in the U.S., Musk has gained a strong following among young British men. Chris Hopkins, a political research director at polling firm Savanta, noted that for many young men in the U.K., the line between business success, wealth, and politics is increasingly blurred.

Richard Johnson, a senior lecturer in politics at Queen Mary University of London, believes Musk’s family background may explain his interest in Britain.

“Musk’s grandmother was British and lived in Liverpool before emigrating to South Africa. He has spoken about identifying as British rather than African,” Johnson said.

He added that Musk has visited the U.K. multiple times since childhood. “It’s not an unfamiliar environment to him, so it makes sense why he’s chosen it as a place to expand his political influence.”

Musk’s Political Interests Expand Beyond the U.K.

Germany has also become a focal point for Musk’s political activity. He has openly supported the far-right AfD party, calling them “Germany’s last hope” and conducting a live interview with party leader Alice Weidel in early January.

On January 25, Musk made a surprise video appearance at an AfD campaign rally in the eastern German city of Halle.

“I’m very excited about AfD. I believe you are truly the best hope for Germany’s future,” he declared.

Germany is set to hold national elections on February 23, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government. Scholz was removed through a no-confidence vote in December 2024, making him a caretaker leader until new elections take place.

AfD, known for its anti-immigration stance, is now projected to become the largest opposition party in Germany. Musk defended his involvement, arguing that his “significant investments” in Germany give him the right to voice opinions on the country’s politics.

Michael Cox, a professor at the London School of Economics, believes Musk’s ambitions extend well beyond U.S. politics.

“Musk is extremely wealthy and ambitious. He wants more than just influence in America,” Cox said.

Analysts suggest that Musk’s political activities are closely tied to his business interests. Since Trump’s election victory, Tesla stock has surged 66%.

“If you can prove you’re powerful, have strong connections, and can shape political environments—whether it’s helping a U.S. presidential candidate win or reshaping Britain’s party system—people will believe you can succeed in business as well,” said Johnson.

Musk’s Clash with the European Union

Musk has also taken aim at the European Union, calling its governance “undemocratic” and demanding a greater role for the European Parliament. His criticism intensified after the EU moved to regulate X under its new Digital Services Act (DSA), aimed at curbing misinformation on social media.

Former European Commissioner Vera Jourova labeled Musk a “promoter of crime” in an interview with Politico in October 2024.

Professor Cox warned that Musk’s global influence should not be underestimated.

“His position is unprecedented. He represents the future—whether it’s space exploration, AI, or other cutting-edge technology. Musk is a new kind of political force, one that extends far beyond America.”

Many European leaders fear Musk could use X as a political tool to promote parties he supports.

French President Emmanuel Macron raised concerns in a speech to French ambassadors, questioning:

"Who could have imagined a decade ago that the owner of one of the world’s largest social media platforms could directly intervene in elections and international politics?"

Can Europe Counter Musk’s Influence?

The big question is what European politicians can do to curb Musk’s growing influence.

Marietje Schaake, a former European Parliament member, suggests that the EU could invoke foreign interference laws or threaten sanctions.

“The Digital Services Act (DSA) is the most relevant law to assess whether Musk poses a systemic risk to elections,” Schaake said.

In July 2024, the European Commission announced that X had violated the DSA, but no legal action has been taken against the platform so far.

Observers say this puts the EU in a tough position, as they do not want to provoke a confrontation with Trump’s incoming administration, in which Musk holds considerable sway.

The EU could pressure Musk using the DSA, but the real question is whether Europe has the political will to act.

“At least in the short term, maintaining good relations with Trump appears to be a higher priority,” said Nicholas Vinocur, a political analyst at Politico.

Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remains one of Musk’s few allies in Western Europe. The two have met several times since she took office in late 2022 and share similar views on immigration and declining birth rates.

In a January interview, Meloni defended Musk, saying:

"I find it amusing that people who once called him a genius now label him a monster—just because he picked the ‘wrong’ side."

(Sources: AFP, WSJ, Politico, Axios)