The tech billionaire and key advisor to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has taken to social media to air his grievances with the British government.

Summary

Elon Musk sparked controversy after criticizing U.K. officials on social media, accusing Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips of being a “rape genocide apologist” and calling for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s removal over child grooming gang prosecutions.

Musk also suggested “liberating” Britain in a poll.

Starmer defended his record as former director of public prosecutions, condemning Musk for spreading misinformation and fueling far-right threats.

U.K. Health Minister Wes Streeting labeled Musk’s comments a “disgraceful smear.”

  • ddh@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
    4·
    3 days ago

    This town’s only big enough for one of them. Fascists with giant egos can’t stick together in the long run.

    • WoodScientist@lemmy.worldEnglish
      4·
      2 days ago

      Here age is a big factor. If Musk is planning to try and seize real political power, he doesn’t have to ever challenge Trump. Implicit in their Devil’s bargain is the understanding that, in almost any universe, Musk is going to outlive Trump by a very long time. Elon need never challenge Trump directly, as he can simply let the reaper do that work for him. If Elon is MAGA’s heir apparent, then he can take over the movement after Trump is term limited, incapacitated, or dies.

      And don’t rule out the idea of Musk vying to serve as president himself. As he was not born in the US, he cannot be elected president. But in theory he could become Acting President, which in terms of powers is indistinguishable from being President. He would run two lackeys for President and Vice President. Musk would be appointed Speaker of the House. Then, once elected and sworn in, the two lackeys would immediately resign. This would immediately make Musk Acting President. The two lackeys would run their whole campaign openly announcing this as their intended action; they’re not deceiving anyone.

      And, as weird as it sounds, according to a strict literalist interpretation of the Constitution, the requirements of being President only apply to being elected President, not appointed by succession as the Acting President. In theory, anyone can be Acting President. If Trump goes for a third term, it would be through this mechanism. And that same loophole would allow Elon to hold the powers of the presidency. MAGA is all about finding weird legal loopholes to seize power at any cost. With a compliant Supreme Court in your pocket? Certainly achievable. The very bargain could be something like “Trump remains president until he dies, after which Elon takes the reins.”