In a recent analysis by the Associated Press, it is revealed that Elon Musk, despite a decline in political favor in Washington, D.C., continues to wield significant influence on the platform X (formerly Twitter). As he attempts to establish a new political party, Musk's account remains the most popular on the platform, serving as a powerful tool for shaping political discourse, particularly among hard-right politicians and activists across Europe.
Musk, who acquired Twitter in 2022 for $44 billion, has seen his follower count soar to over 220 million, greatly enhancing his reach. His engagement can dramatically boost visibility for the accounts he interacts with, as evidenced by an analysis of over 20,000 posts compiled from influential figures in Europe who frequently share hard-right agendas. This development has raised alarms regarding concerns over foreign influence in European politics, particularly the potential implications of American meddling.
Christel Schaldemose, a vice president of the European Parliament focused on electoral interference, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "Every alarm bell needs to ring." The analysis highlighted that many of Musk's interactions are with individuals who have been embroiled in controversy within their own countries, including Tommy Robinson from the U.K., who has faced legal issues for defamation, and Bjoern Hoecke from Germany's Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) party, convicted for using Nazi slogans. Other notable figures include Italian Vice Premier Matteo Salvini and various influencers aligned with right-wing ideologies across Europe.
Collectively, these accounts saw a substantial gain in followers, with some experiencing growth rates as high as 920%. The data indicated that posts Musk interacted with received multiple times more views than average, showcasing the substantial impact of his engagement on their visibility. Furthermore, while established political leaders like Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni may benefit less directly from Musk's interactions, the overall trend remains clear: Musk's involvement serves as a catalyst for rising populist movements in Europe.
The pursuit of Musk's engagement has become a focal point for many aspiring influencers, with some, like Naomi Seibt, actively seeking his attention. After pestering Musk nearly 600 times, Seibt finally garnered his engagement in June 2024, leading to a massive surge in her followers and heightened visibility for her posts. In her own words, Seibt acknowledged Musk's capability to amplify messages, particularly in regions resistant to mainstream media narratives.
Alice Weidel, a prominent figure in the AfD, reported spiraling engagement and follower numbers following Musk's interactions, which included a livestream event. Following this engagement, Weidel's party achieved a historic electoral victory, positioning it as a formidable force in German politics. Notably, Musk has also shown support for Matteo Salvini, whose interactions with Musk correlate with substantial spikes in viewership.
In another instance, Fidias Panayiotou, a social media influencer from Cyprus who won a seat in the European Parliament, credited Musk with fueling his political aspirations. Their viral embrace exemplified the reach of Musk's endorsement, which led to significant visibility in Panayiotou's political endeavors, including criticisms of bureaucratic processes in the EU and praise for Musk's platform.
As the analysis demonstrates, Musk's influence on X extends beyond mere social media engagement; it has real implications for political dynamics in Europe. The platform has become a battleground for ideological warfare, with Musk at its helm, fostering alliances among nationalistic parties and individuals fighting against progressive policies. The intersection of social media influence and political activism will likely continue to shape the landscape of both American and European politics in the years to come.
