French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has declared that Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of social media network X and a close ally of US President Donald Trump, poses a threat to democracies. “Elon Musk is creating a threat to democracies,” Bayrou said in a local TV interview. “Money should not give the right to rule consciences.”
Bayrou’s comments follow his warning last week that France and Europe must stand up to Trump and his policies, or risk being “dominated … crushed … marginalised.” Musk, the CEO of Tesla and the world’s richest person, has shown a willingness to engage in foreign political issues. He has endorsed a German anti-immigration party ahead of elections slated in February and has repeatedly commented on British politics, demanding Prime Minister Keir Starmer resign.