Musk Calls for Release of Far-Right Activist, Criticizes UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Elon Musk has once again made waves on social media, this time calling for the release of far-right activist Tommy Robinson and taking aim at British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Musk urged the United Kingdom to “free Tommy Robinson,” describing the controversial figure as a “political prisoner.”

Robinson, founder of the far-right English Defense League, is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence for violating a court order. The order prohibited him from repeating defamatory claims against a Syrian refugee. His imprisonment has sparked controversy, with Musk amplifying messages that paint Robinson as a victim of political persecution.

The English Defense League, under Robinson’s leadership, has been at the center of several controversies. U.K. authorities have blamed the group for contributing to unrest following false claims spread on social media.

In one such incident, users wrongly identified the suspect in a deadly stabbing rampage as a Muslim immigrant. The attack, which took place in Southport, claimed the lives of three young girls. The actual perpetrator was later revealed to be a 17-year-old British-born male.

Musk’s comments about Robinson come as part of a broader critique of the U.K. government and its justice system. In a pointed tweet, Musk criticized Prime Minister Starmer’s tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) from 2008 to 2013, accusing him of mishandling grooming scandals during that period.

“In the U.K., serious crimes like rape require Crown Prosecution Service approval for police to charge suspects. Who was head of the CPS when rape gangs exploited young girls without facing justice? Keir Starmer, 2008-2013,” Musk wrote on X.

He also endorsed Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, claiming it is the “only” political force capable of saving Britain from its current woes.

Starmer, however, has long defended his record as DPP. In 2013, he publicly called for significant reforms to how sexual abuse cases are investigated in the U.K., emphasizing the need for systemic changes to better protect victims.

Musk’s criticisms extend beyond Robinson and Starmer. In recent months, he has ramped up his attacks on the Labour government, led by Starmer, accusing it of authoritarianism.

He described the U.K. as a “tyrannical police state” in response to the government’s handling of violent unrest in Northern England. Musk has also pushed for early elections, though Starmer’s administration, which secured a landslide victory just six months ago, is not required to call another election until 2029.

The billionaire’s commentary hasn’t gone unnoticed by British officials. Last year, the Prime Minister’s Office pushed back against Musk’s claims, including his assertion that “civil war is inevitable” in the U.K.

They dismissed Musk’s remarks as inflammatory and unhelpful during a time of national tension.

Musk’s relationship with Nigel Farage has also raised eyebrows. The two were seen together at President-elect Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in December.

Farage later hinted that Musk might donate to his Reform UK party, with some reports suggesting contributions could reach as much as $100 million.

This isn’t the first time Musk has inserted himself into European politics. He recently faced backlash in Germany after penning an op-ed supporting the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of the country’s February elections.

The German government accused Musk of attempting to influence the democratic process, a charge that has only added to the controversy surrounding his social media activity.

Musk’s outspoken behavior reflects his growing involvement in global political discourse. As the CEO of Tesla and X, as well as a key figure in President-elect Trump’s inner circle, his influence extends far beyond the tech industry.

However, his repeated endorsements of far-right figures and parties have drawn criticism, with many accusing him of promoting divisive narratives.

Despite this, Musk remains undeterred, continuing to leverage his platform to voice his opinions on international politics. Whether his efforts will yield tangible political change or further polarize public opinion remains to be seen.