How Elon Musk’s engagement on X is reshaping far-right politics across Europe and raising questions about social media’s role in democratic processes.
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| From obscure influencers to elected officials, far-right figures in Europe are gaining traction through Musk’s X. Analysts warn of rising electoral impact. Image: CH |
BRUSSELS, Belgium —August 2, 2025:
As far-right voices gain ground across Europe, one unlikely force appears to be playing an outsized role: Elon Musk. Through direct interactions on X—the platform formerly known as Twitter—the billionaire has amplified fringe figures, elevated obscure influencers, and potentially reshaped democratic discourse.
An Associated Press analysis of over 20,000 Musk-related interactions on X found that when Musk replies to, reposts, or mentions far-right European figures, their visibility and follower counts surge—sometimes exponentially. Among 11 analyzed individuals, average view counts doubled or quadrupled after Musk’s engagement. Some saw 30–40x spikes, often followed by measurable political or financial gains.
This includes German far-right politicians, UK activist Tommy Robinson, and Cypriot influencer-turned-MEP Fidias Panayiotou, whose viral hug with Musk translated into electoral victory. In Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands, anti-migration and nationalist voices similarly reported major audience increases after Musk amplified their posts.
Musk’s defenders argue he is simply engaging freely, promoting open dialogue. Critics say he is curating an ideological ecosystem that subtly promotes nationalism, climate skepticism, and anti-immigration rhetoric—values that align with the far right across much of Europe.
“There’s no neutrality in attention,” says digital politics analyst Timothy Graham. “When Elon Musk replies, it’s functionally an endorsement, regardless of content.”
Although X’s recommendation algorithms are not transparent, AP’s research shows that Musk’s posts strongly influence what is promoted or suppressed. With over 220 million followers, Musk’s attention dwarfs even heads of state. The impact is not only algorithmic but also economic. With monetization tools on X, visibility now translates directly into income—creating further incentives for content alignment and provocation.
Far-right figures like Naomi Seibt and Eva Vlaardingerbroek built digital brands by repeatedly tagging or messaging Musk. Once he responded, they rapidly scaled audiences, monetized content, and gained international recognition.
Musk’s influence isn’t confined to the screen. He has openly praised politicians like Italy’s Matteo Salvini and UK’s Nigel Farage, offering unsolicited endorsements to tens of millions. The reach of these endorsements often eclipses traditional media coverage and plays into a populist image of direct connection between leaders and the public.
Musk’s comments on Spanish columnist Rubén Pulido boosted his viewership threefold. Without Musk’s attention, his audience later diminished—a pattern seen across multiple accounts.
EU regulators have begun investigating X’s role in shaping political narratives and its potential to distort elections. Questions around algorithmic bias, the spread of hate speech, and the platform’s moderation practices have prompted formal inquiries under the EU Digital Services Act (DSA).
France, Germany, and Norway have issued public rebukes of Musk’s platform, accusing it of harboring disinformation and extremism. X has denied wrongdoing and argues it is complying with European regulations.
Still, the concern remains: What happens when the world’s most influential tech billionaire effectively acts as a political gatekeeper for an entire continent’s digital discourse?
For figures like Panayiotou, the answer is already visible. “Without Musk,” he said in a recent interview, “none of this would have happened.”
His viral moment turned into a real seat in the European Parliament—something his opponents now cite as a textbook case of how digital fame, driven by celebrity engagement, can quickly become political power.