Elon Musk, no stranger to controversy, has once again ignited a firestorm on social media after retweeting a highly provocative statement that appeared to downplay the historical atrocities committed under Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and Mao Zedong.
The billionaire entrepreneur, who has become just as well known for his Twitter activity as for running companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), frequently engages with posts ranging from technology and business to politics and culture wars. However, this latest social media move has drawn immense backlash, with many accusing Musk of minimizing the horrors of totalitarian regimes.
The Retweet That Started It All
The post Musk shared read:
“Stalin, Mao, and Hitler didn’t murder millions of people. Their public sector workers did.”
The implication? That the responsibility for mass killings should not rest solely on these notorious historical figures, but rather on the state officials who carried out their orders.
Critics immediately erupted, interpreting the post as an attempt to deflect blame from the very dictators who orchestrated some of the deadliest atrocities in human history.
Immediate and Widespread Backlash
It didn’t take long for social media users, historians, and public figures to condemn Musk’s retweet, with many accusing him of historical revisionism, ignorance, and dangerous rhetoric.
One enraged Twitter user wrote:
“Is this the seriously flawed and disturbed logic behind why Elon Musk seems to admire Hitler? Sieg Heil, Elon—enjoy your burning swasticars.”
Another furious comment read:
“Elon Musk is a disgusting excuse for a human being. I hate him & I hope karma delivers what he truly deserves.”
Others called out what they saw as an attempt to downplay dictatorship and genocide, writing:
“To post something like this is beyond shameful. Musk is actively minimizing the horrors of authoritarian rule. History is clear—these men did order massacres. Their hands are drenched in blood. And now he’s trying to rewrite that?”
Another pointed out the danger of Musk’s rhetoric, drawing modern parallels:
“On. Their. Orders. These men were dictators. They ORDERED massacres. You can add Putin to that list. Elon Musk is once again downplaying the dangers of authoritarianism and the nightmare of living under such regimes.”
Criticism From Public Figures and Organizations
It wasn’t just Twitter users who found Musk’s post problematic. High-profile figures and organizations condemned him for what they saw as a reckless statement that insulted public service workers and distorted history.
One of the most outspoken critics was Lee Saunders, the president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), a major U.S. labor union.
In direct response to Musk, Saunders fired back:
“America’s public service workers—our nurses, teachers, firefighters, librarians—have dedicated their lives to making our communities safe, healthy, and strong. And now the world’s richest man is trying to compare them to genocidal murderers?”
Saunders didn’t stop there, continuing:
“Elon Musk and the billionaires in this administration have no idea what real people go through every day. That’s why he’s so willing to take a chainsaw to people’s jobs, Medicaid, Social Security, and Medicare. He’s completely out of touch with reality.”
Musk’s History of Controversial Statements
This is far from the first time Musk has been accused of flirting with extremist rhetoric or engaging in inflammatory discussions.
Previously, Musk was accused of making a Nazi salute during Trump’s inauguration. Rather than addressing the concerns seriously, Musk responded in typical fashion—by posting a string of jokes and puns referencing notorious Nazi leaders.
For many, his latest Twitter activity is yet another example of his willingness to entertain dangerous ideas, provoke outrage, and court controversy for engagement.
Is Musk Deliberately Stirring the Pot?
Some critics argue that Musk’s behavior on social media is not accidental—that he knows exactly what he’s doing when he amplifies divisive and inflammatory content.
By engaging with highly charged political and historical topics, Musk keeps himself at the center of online discourse, ensuring that he remains one of the most talked-about figures in the digital space.
However, this strategy has serious consequences.
Many believe that Musk’s immense influence and massive following give him a responsibility to be more cautious about the messages he promotes. When he shares a post suggesting that historical dictators aren’t directly responsible for their crimes, it risks fueling misinformation, distorting history, and legitimizing dangerous ideologies.
The Fallout—Will Musk Respond?
As of now, Musk has not directly addressed the backlash over his retweet.
Given his past responses to controversies, it’s likely he will either double down on his position, brush it off with humor, or attempt to reframe the discussion as an attack on free speech.
However, the damage may already be done.
Historians, political analysts, and countless social media users are demanding accountability, calling on Musk to clarify his position and acknowledge the weight of his words.
Whether he chooses to walk back the statement or continue fueling the fire remains to be seen.
But one thing is clear—Elon Musk’s latest Twitter controversy has once again put him at the center of an online storm, and this time, people aren’t letting it slide.
