An illustration showing Elon Musk along with Europe’s hard-right people.
In Europe, a growing number of far-right politicians and influencers are finding success online — with help from Elon Musk.
The billionaire entrepreneur, who bought Twitter (now X) for $44 billion, is reshaping political discourse across the continent. Musk’s engagement on X has created a ripple effect, significantly boosting the reach and influence of hard-right figures in several European countries.
A Powerful Boost for the Far-Right
One German politician from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party saw her X audience jump from 230,000 to 2.2 million in a single day — all after Musk interacted with her posts. She later led her party to its best-ever electoral result.
In the UK, anti-immigration agitator Tommy Robinson, who was banned and jailed for contempt of court, gained nearly a million new followers after Musk allowed him back on the platform. His daily post views more than doubled.
Cypriot social media influencer Fidias Panayiotou, once obsessed with hugging Musk, went on to win a surprise European Parliament seat. On days Musk engaged with his content, his views skyrocketed from 300,000 to 10 million.
Musk’s Reach Knows No Borders
An Associated Press (AP) investigation analyzed more than 20,000 posts from 11 far-right European figures and tracked their interactions with Musk over three years. The data revealed 920 attempts by these influencers to tag or engage Musk and 190 instances where Musk responded.
The results were striking. Most accounts saw triple-digit percentage increases in followers. One influencer jumped from 120,000 followers to over 1.2 million. Posts that received Musk’s attention got 2 to 40 times more views.
This pattern wasn't isolated. Similar growth was observed across accounts in Germany, the UK, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, and the Netherlands.
A Political Megaphone Louder Than World Leaders
Musk now holds the most followed account on X, with over 220 million followers. His growth rate surpasses global icons like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Donald Trump, and Taylor Swift.
Researchers believe X’s algorithm may have been modified to favor Musk’s content. EU regulators have opened investigations into X’s algorithmic bias and potential manipulation.
Critics worry Musk’s influence amounts to foreign interference — not from hostile governments, but from a tech mogul in the U.S.
Controversy Follows Many of Musk’s European Allies
Several figures boosted by Musk face legal troubles. A German politician was convicted for using a Nazi slogan. A British activist violated court orders. Radio Genoa, an Italian account, is under investigation for hate speech.
Musk’s backing doesn’t just bring attention — it often brings income. Through X’s monetization tools, many influencers now earn money directly from their expanded reach. Fundraising campaigns, subscription options, and tips are tied to the spike in engagement Musk provides.
The Musk Effect in Action
In Germany, climate skeptic Naomi Seibt’s views surged 2.6 times when Musk responded to her. She’s pinged Musk hundreds of times and now lives in the U.S., citing political persecution in Europe.
In Spain, journalist Rubén Pulido gained traction after Musk amplified his anti-migrant rhetoric. His visibility tripled on days Musk interacted with him.
UK populist leader Nigel Farage tripled his daily views after Musk endorsed his policies. In Italy, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini saw fourfold growth in his X engagement following Musk’s support.
From Social Clout to Real Power
This growing alliance between Musk and Europe’s hard-right is reshaping the political landscape. The platform once envisioned as a “free speech haven” is now seen as a tool to promote specific ideologies — often Musk’s own.
Musk’s backing has blurred the lines between influencer, activist, and elected official. In the process, he’s become a kingmaker on the world stage — not just in Silicon Valley, but across European capitals.
What began as social media banter now fuels political movements, electoral wins, and real-world consequences.
