“…No morality, absolutely none.”
“We should have got on to him early on”
— dave ❄️ 🥕 🧻 (@mrdavemacleod) January 9, 2025
Ian Hislop’s takedown of Elon Musk is a thing of beauty 👏 pic.twitter.com/mF5Zz6rqrq
Why Elon Musk is Despised and Distrusted
Elon Musk, the mercurial billionaire and CEO of companies such as Tesla, SpaceX, and Twitter (now rebranded as X), is a figure who polarises public opinion like few others. Hailed by some as a visionary genius transforming the future of humanity, he is reviled by others as a reckless, manipulative, and egoistical opportunist. The distrust and disdain he elicits in certain quarters stem from a combination of his erratic behaviour, controversial decisions, and a perceived lack of integrity.
Erratic Leadership and Behaviour
Musk’s leadership style is unconventional, to put it mildly. While his ability to think outside the box has driven innovation, it has also created chaos. For instance, his handling of Twitter since acquiring it in late 2022 has been widely criticised. Musk’s abrupt policy changes, mass layoffs, and public feuds with both employees and users have destabilised the platform, alienating many long-time supporters. His decision to change Twitter’s name to X, a move many viewed as unnecessary and poorly executed, exemplifies his penchant for making sweeping changes with little consultation or consideration for consequences.
Additionally, Musk’s tendency to use Twitter as his personal megaphone has exacerbated his public image problems. From making insensitive remarks to engaging in juvenile spats, his online persona often appears more befitting a provocateur than a leader of multibillion-dollar enterprises. For example, his infamous tweet in 2018 about taking Tesla private at $420 a share, which led to legal troubles with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), showcased his cavalier approach to serious matters.
Unfulfilled Promises
A key factor behind Musk’s untrustworthiness is his tendency to overpromise and underdeliver. While it’s undeniable that Tesla has revolutionised the electric vehicle market and SpaceX has achieved remarkable milestones in space exploration, Musk’s track record is littered with grandiose claims that fail to materialise. Projects like the Hyperloop, neural implants through Neuralink, and fully self-driving Teslas have been hyped relentlessly, yet their timelines for delivery are continually pushed back. This pattern of overpromising has led many to view Musk as more of a salesman than a visionary.
Critics also argue that Musk’s focus on headline-grabbing ideas often distracts from the pressing issues within his existing ventures. Tesla, for example, has faced numerous allegations of poor working conditions, racial discrimination, and quality control issues, yet Musk’s public rhetoric often sidesteps these problems in favour of discussing far-off ambitions like colonising Mars.
Manipulative Public Relations Tactics
Musk’s approach to public relations further fuels mistrust. He has a knack for creating hype around his companies, often boosting their stock prices through speculative announcements. This behaviour has drawn accusations of manipulating markets to his advantage. The fact that Musk’s wealth is intricately tied to the stock performance of his companies only deepens suspicions about his motivations.
Moreover, Musk frequently positions himself as a champion of free speech and innovation, yet critics point to numerous contradictions. His handling of Twitter, for example, includes banning accounts that criticise him or challenge his views, despite his claims of fostering open dialogue. This perceived hypocrisy undermines his credibility and bolsters the argument that his actions are driven by personal interests rather than principled stances.
Ego and Self-Promotion
Musk’s larger-than-life ego is another source of widespread disdain. While confidence is a hallmark of successful entrepreneurs, Musk’s self-promotion often veers into arrogance. His portrayal as a singular genius leading humanity into the future dismisses the contributions of countless engineers, scientists, and employees who make his projects possible. This narrative, perpetuated both by Musk and his ardent fans, has fostered a cult of personality that many find off-putting.
His need to be the centre of attention also manifests in his involvement in numerous controversies, from calling a British cave rescuer a “pedo guy” during the Thai cave rescue in 2018 to making light of the COVID-19 pandemic. These incidents paint a picture of a man who prioritises his ego and public image over ethical considerations.
Elon Musk’s polarising persona is rooted in the contradictions between his lofty ambitions and his questionable behaviour. While his contributions to technology and innovation are undeniable, his erratic decision-making, unfulfilled promises, manipulative tactics, and egotistical conduct have eroded trust among many observers. To his detractors, Musk represents the dangers of unchecked power and the cult of personality in the modern era. Whether he can rehabilitate his image or whether these criticisms will come to define his legacy remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Elon Musk is a figure who will continue to spark intense debate for years to come.
