The U.S. Secret Service has launched an investigation into Elon Musk’s controversial comment about assassination attempts against President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
At a Glance
- Secret Service investigating Elon Musk’s deleted X post about Biden and Harris
- Musk claimed the post was a joke but faced backlash and deleted it
- White House condemned Musk’s post as “irresponsible rhetoric”
- Investigation follows two recent assassination attempts on former President Trump
Secret Service Takes Action on Musk’s Controversial Post
The U.S. Secret Service has initiated an investigation into a now-deleted post by Elon Musk on his social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The post, which suggested that “no one is even trying to assassinate” President Joe Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris, has drawn significant attention and criticism. The comment came in the wake of two recent assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump, raising concerns about the safety of high-ranking officials.
The Secret Service, responsible for protecting the President and Vice President, has confirmed its awareness of Musk’s post. In response to a Freedom of Information Act request, the agency revealed that it had compiled records on the matter for law enforcement purposes. However, these records are being withheld to avoid interference with ongoing enforcement proceedings.
Musk’s Defense and Backlash
Musk, the world’s richest person with a net worth of $259.6 billion, initially defended his post as a joke. However, facing public outcry, he eventually deleted the controversial comment. In an attempt to explain his actions, Musk acknowledged the challenges of conveying humor on social media platforms.
“Well, one lesson I’ve learned is that just because I say something to a group and they laugh doesn’t mean it’s going to be all that hilarious as a post on š¯•¸.” He further added, “Turns out that jokes are WAY less funny if people don’t know the context and the delivery is plain text.” – Source
White House and Political Implications
The White House swiftly condemned Musk’s post, labeling it as irresponsible rhetoric. In a statement, they emphasized, “Violence should only be condemned, never encouraged or joked about. This rhetoric is irresponsible.” The incident has further strained relations between the Biden administration and Musk, who has been increasingly critical of the current leadership.
“The Secret Service is aware of the social media post made by Elon Musk and as a matter of practice, we do not comment on matters involving protective intelligence,” Secret Service spokesperson Melissa McKenzie said in a statement to Axios.
Musk’s alignment with conservative political figures, including his endorsement of Trump in the upcoming presidential election, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Trump recently announced plans to install Musk as the head of a new “government efficiency commission” if re-elected, further intertwining the tech mogul with political affairs.
Broader Implications for Public Figures
This incident highlights the delicate balance public figures must maintain when expressing themselves on social media platforms. The Secret Service’s investigation into Musk’s post is not unprecedented; the agency has a history of looking into potential threats stemming from social media posts, lyrics, and even comedy routines. Previous investigations have involved figures such as Eminem, John Mulaney, and John Schneider.
As the investigation unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the weight carried by words from influential individuals in the public eye. The case underscores the Secret Service’s commitment to thoroughly investigating all statements that could potentially impact the safety of high-ranking officials, regardless of the speaker’s intent or social standing.
