Musk Says 250 Million X Followers Outweigh Critics as He Tells Economist Editor Media Is More Hated
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 24
Musk Says 250 Million X Followers Outweigh Critics as He Tells Economist Editor Media Is More Hated
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 24
Summary
At Tesla’s Texas Gigafactory, Elon Musk told Economist editor Zanny Minton Beddoes that the public dislikes her and the media more than it dislikes him.
Beddoes had pressed Musk over using his wealth, X ownership and reach to influence European politics, saying some people “loathe” him and questioning why he should shape politics where he does not live.
Musk pointed to roughly 250 million X followers as proof he has more supporters than detractors, and cited journalists’ weak standing with the public, claiming favorable views of journalists are around 15%.
Beddoes acknowledged mistakes in journalism but argued polarization on social media — including content Musk promotes on X — has worsened distrust; Musk rejected that and said the media is the real problem.
The clash follows Musk’s backing for right-wing European parties, including urging Germans to vote for AfD before the 2025 election; a 2025 Gallup poll found trust in U.S. news media at a record-low 28%.