“It’s absolutely crazy that he can destabilize entire countries.” The Microsoft co-founder criticizes Musk’s growing role in global politics.

Elon Musk has been making headlines for his increasing political influence, most recently for expressing support for Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party. Bill Gates has now spoken out against Musk’s ability to disrupt political landscapes across multiple nations. Gates specifically pointed out that Musk “doesn’t even think Nigel Farage is right-wing enough,” calling his stance “insane shit.”

In a wide-ranging interview with The Times, Gates discussed his early life, his upcoming autobiography, and his philanthropic work. However, the topic turned to Musk when Gates reflected on his recent meeting with Donald Trump. Musk stirred controversy last week after making a gesture at Trump’s inauguration that many interpreted as a Nazi-style salute—something he has strongly denied.

Musk’s Increasing Political Involvement

In December, Musk publicly voiced support for the AfD on X and later made a virtual appearance at an AfD rally attended by 4,500 people, including party co-leader Alice Weidel, whom he interviewed earlier this month. Gates’ remark—“It’s absolutely crazy that he can destabilize entire countries”—was, in part, a reaction to Musk’s involvement in such events.

Additionally, Musk has been making inflammatory statements about UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing him of covering up child exploitation cases. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. One of the main figures promoting this narrative is Tommy Robinson, a far-right British activist who some speculate could be receiving financial backing from Musk.

Musk has also been vocal about the leadership of Reform UK, the UK’s far-right political party. He reportedly pushed for the removal of Nigel Farage, a move that Farage himself attributes to Musk’s alleged preference for Tommy Robinson.

Gates Warns of Musk’s Global Influence

In his interview with The Times, Gates remarked: “You claim to support the right-wing, but somehow Nigel Farage isn’t far-right enough for you? I mean, this is insane. You’re literally siding with the AfD.”

The AfD, founded in 2013, is known for its strong anti-immigration stance—a position Musk has echoed in the U.S. Musk’s views align with those of Reform UK and Tommy Robinson in the UK, both of whom have frequently criticized immigration policies, particularly regarding Muslim immigrants. Gates pointed out how these trends are shaping British politics:

“The Labour government has actually been less generous with aid than the previous Conservative administration. Our biggest challenge is an aging population, budget constraints, and a growing nationalist movement that rejects foreign aid entirely—regardless of whether those in need even live within our borders.”

Musk purchased X (formerly Twitter) in 2022 for $44 billion and used the platform to campaign for Donald Trump’s re-election. He also founded the @America account, which promotes “secure borders, responsible spending, safe cities, fair justice, free speech, and self-defense,” all of which align closely with Trump’s platform. Since then, Trump has created the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), with Musk leading the initiative.

Gates believes Musk’s influence on elections worldwide is deeply problematic: “In the U.S., foreign donors aren’t allowed to fund political campaigns. Maybe other countries should introduce similar safeguards to prevent ultra-wealthy foreign figures from distorting their elections.”

“I thought Brexit was a mistake, but I wasn’t tweeting about it every day,” Gates added.

Gates argues that billionaires should focus on individual causes rather than broadly supporting political parties, especially abroad. “I always thought the unspoken rule was that we chose a handful of causes we truly cared about,” he said. “We all have the capacity to overstep. If someone is as brilliant as Musk—and he is—then he should really consider how to use that intelligence to help people. What he’s doing now is just reckless populism.”

Source: PC Gamer