The world’s richest man, also a key adviser to President-elect Donald Trump, has clashed for months with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at a time when the U.K. is concerned about its standing with the incoming U.S. administration.

Summary

Elon Musk labeled Britain a “tyrannical police state” on X, criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership, and questioned the imprisonment of far-right activist Tommy Robinson.

Musk’s comments coincide with his role as a key adviser to Trump, raising concerns in the U.K. about its relationship with the incoming administration.

Musk also criticized Starmer’s policies, including increased farm inheritance taxes, and boosted far-right content on X.

This follows similar clashes with other U.S. allies, including Germany and Australia, over their domestic policies.

  • andallthat@lemmy.worldEnglish
    8·
    29 days ago

    can we start collectively ignoring whatever Musk says? I am individually starting to, making one last exception with this comment, but only collectively we can really make a difference in making the world (or at least Lemmy) a quieter, Elon-less place. If he does something newsworthy for good (puts a person on Mars) or for bad (I don’t know where to start here…) then by all means let’s celebrate or sulk but when he talks or Xits let his voice disperse as quickly as a fart in the wind.

    • brucethemoose@lemmy.worldEnglish
      31·
      29 days ago

      Unfortunately we basically voted him into office.

      It’s the “Trump problem” now. Now he has the power to act on these insane opinions and threats, so ultimately they are newsworthy even if I largely agree with you.

      • andallthat@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        29 days ago

        I see what you mean and I agree with you too. He’s no longer a private citizen “just voicing his opinion” or “just asking questions”. When you are in power, words have consequences.

        The issue is that both Musk and Trump were already professional trolls and liars. Now they actually weaponized trolling to create anger and fear, which directly feed votes and power into the side they have chosen to represent. How do you fight that? Do you still try NOT to feed the troll, when the troll is leading the most powerful nation on Earth?

        • brucethemoose@lemmy.worldEnglish
          1·
          28 days ago

          I do absolutely agree.

          It’s like “don’t feed the trolls,” the most important internet wisdom ever, has been long forgotten and is tearing down society.

          I don’t know how to fix it. We should have regulated social media algorithms years ago, but now it’s way too late, and people’s information hygiene is not getting better. Any kind of news outlet is basically compelled to cover it for financial reasons less they fade into obscurity, and algorithms love it and aren’t going to change.