Elon Musk, CEO of X (formerly Twitter) and Tesla, sparked outrage online after sharing an AI-generated image depicting Senator Elizabeth Warren in stereotypical Native American attire. The image appeared to be a response to Warren’s criticisms of Musk’s potential conflicts of interest as a business magnate and an influential political figure.
Warren Raises Concerns Over Musk’s Role
Elizabeth Warren, a Democratic Senator from Massachusetts, recently highlighted concerns regarding Musk’s involvement in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. She pointed to Musk’s control of X, ownership of other major companies, and significant financial contributions to the Republican Party as reasons for ethical scrutiny.
In her letter to Trump, Warren wrote, “Mr. Musk’s substantial private interests present a massive conflict of interest with the role he has taken on as your ‘unofficial co-president.’”
Musk’s Controversial Response
In an apparent rebuttal, Elon Musk shared an AI-generated image of Warren dressed in a beaded headdress adorned with bird feathers and a buckskin shirt with fringe, a portrayal steeped in Native American stereotypes. The post, viewed by many as mocking Warren’s heritage, drew sharp criticism online.
Critics were quick to call Musk’s post “racist,” with one user commenting, “MUSK IS TYPICAL WHITE RACIST SOUTH AFRICAN, HE FITS IN WELL IN RACIST USA!” Another user responded, “If this is your AI smear, then you are the one to ridicule and reject. Do you have any particular problem with ‘white people’ being allies of Indigenous/Native Peoples?”
Echoes of Trump’s “Pocahontas” Remarks
Musk’s actions mirror language used by President-elect Trump, who has frequently referred to Warren as “Pocahontas,” mocking her claims of Native American ancestry. Trump’s spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, also weighed in, calling Warren’s criticisms baseless.
“President Trump has assembled the most impressive and qualified team of innovators, entrepreneurs, and geniuses to advise and staff our government,” Leavitt stated to Fox News. “Pocahontas can play political games and send toothless letters, but the Trump-Vance transition will continue to uphold the highest ethical and legal standards—a standard unfamiliar to a career politician whose societal impact is 1/1024th of Elon Musk’s.”
Public Outcry
The backlash against Elon Musk underscores growing tensions between political figures and powerful tech executives. Critics argue that Musk’s post trivializes Native American culture while deflecting attention from legitimate concerns raised by Warren.
As Musk continues to navigate his dual roles as a business leader and political influencer, the incident raises broader questions about accountability and the intersection of corporate power and government ethics.