Elon Musk reversed his stance on Nigel Farage, the leader of Britain’s anti-immigration Reform UK party after Farage publicly diverged from Musk’s views.
Musk criticized Farage’s leadership on his X platform, suggesting, “The Reform Party needs a new leader. Farage doesn’t have what it takes.” This comment follows Musk’s prior discussions with Farage about a potential substantial donation, which coincided with the party’s influence in the July general election.
However, the tech mogul’s support shifted when he expressed backing for the jailed British figure, Tommy Robinson, known for his controversial activities and imprisonment for contempt of court related to a libel case involving a Syrian refugee. Musk questioned Robinson’s imprisonment on X, alleging it was for exposing a significant grooming scandal in Britain, which involved the abuse of young girls by groups of men, primarily of South Asian descent. Musk argued, “Robinson should be freed, and those who covered up this travesty should take his place in that cell.”
Responding to Musk’s posts, Farage emphasized the real reason for Robinson’s imprisonment, stating, “Tommy Robinson’s in prison not for exposing grooming gangs but for contempt of court.” He maintained that while Musk supports him and his party, their views diverge significantly on Robinson’s situation.
Read: Elon Musk Calls for Major Reform of H-1B Visa System
Farage reiterated his stance on X, noting, “Elon is a remarkable individual but on this I am afraid I disagree. My view remains that Tommy Robinson is not right for Reform, and I never sell out my principles.” Robinson, a former football hooligan with a history of criminal convictions, has become a figurehead in the anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant movement, gaining a substantial online following.
Nigel Farage AM: Elon Musk "makes us look cool."
Elon Musk PM: "Farage doesn't have what it takes."
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— Haggis_UK 🇬🇧 🇪🇺 (@Haggis_UK) January 5, 2025The grooming scandal, which emerged over a decade ago, revealed systemic failures by police and social services, sparking far-right exploitation of the issue, particularly by figures like Robinson. Musk also extended his criticisms to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and child welfare minister Jess Phillips, accusing them of inaction regarding “rape gangs.”
