Elon Musk Sparks Debate with Poll on "Liberating" UK from "Tyrannical Government"
Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and owner of X (formerly Twitter), launched a provocative poll asking if Americans should “liberate” the British from their “tyrannical government.” The poll, initiated on January 6, has drawn nearly two million votes, fueling discussions on X and beyond about British governance and U.S. intervention.
Musk’s poll follows his ongoing feud with the UK’s Labour government, particularly over the handling of child abuse scandals. Critics argue that Musk’s commentary adds fuel to political tensions, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer accusing him of spreading misinformation. Musk’s poll also drew humorous suggestions from users, including one proposing the UK become the 52nd U.S. state, an idea Musk labeled “not a bad one.”
The poll’s timing aligns with heated debates over child exploitation cases in the UK. Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips recently rejected calls for a government-led inquiry into systematic grooming in towns like Rotherham and Rochdale. These incidents, dating back decades, revealed the abuse of thousands of young women, predominantly from disadvantaged backgrounds, by organized gangs. Musk’s criticism appears to target both the current government and figures like Starmer, who served as Director of Public Prosecutions during some of these cases.
Musk’s father, Errol Musk, weighed in, urging the public to “ignore” his son’s remarks. “People don’t have to listen to what he says,” he told LBC News.
While Musk’s influence on public discourse is undeniable, his foray into British politics has sparked mixed reactions. Some see his comments as an attempt to highlight governance issues, while others view them as unwelcome interference.
