During Donald Trump’s first presidency, his unpredictable social media posts often left governments scrambling to interpret his latest policy announcements or criticisms. Four years later, diplomats are again on edge as Trump, now president-elect, resumes his unfiltered commentary on global affairs. This time, however, he has a powerful and prolific ally in Elon Musk, whose interventions amplify the diplomatic complexities.
Trump’s Critique of UK Energy Policy
Trump recently criticized the UK government’s decision to increase taxes on North Sea oil and gas firms to fund renewable energy projects. Writing on his platform, Truth Social, he called the move a “very big mistake,” urging the UK to “open up the North Sea” and “get rid of Windmills!” While such comments reflect Trump’s longstanding support for fossil fuels, they also suggest a more direct willingness to intervene in allied nations’ domestic policies.
Musk’s Broader Attacks on the UK
Elon Musk, using his platform X (formerly Twitter), has been even more vocal in criticizing British governance. His posts range from economic critiques to pointed attacks on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s handling of child abuse scandals during his tenure as director of public prosecutions. Musk’s comments have garnered attention not only for their substance but for their provocative tone, which has included support for controversial figures like jailed far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (also known as Tommy Robinson).
While some UK politicians, such as Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, have echoed Musk’s call for action on grooming gangs, others have distanced themselves. Shadow Safeguarding Minister Alicia Kearns described Musk’s lionization of Robinson as “frankly dangerous.” Labour, meanwhile, has taken a more cautious approach, wary of antagonizing a billionaire who might fund rival political campaigns.
Global Implications of Musk’s Interventions
Musk’s criticisms extend beyond the UK, targeting leaders like Germany’s Olaf Scholz, Canada’s Justin Trudeau, and others with insults that have sparked diplomatic ripples. His remarks, combined with Trump’s return to the global stage, have created an unpredictable and volatile landscape for international relations.
Navigating the Challenges
Governments are now grappling with how to respond to this dual barrage of social media commentary. Whitehall officials hope the new British ambassador, Lord Mandelson, can help temper the rhetoric. There is also cautious optimism that Trump’s affection for the UK and its Royal Family might mitigate tensions, as evidenced by his positive meeting with the Prince of Wales in Paris last month.
Some officials speculate that Trump and Musk’s relationship, marked by strong personalities and overlapping agendas, could become strained under the pressures of governance. For now, however, their combined influence underscores the resurgence of U.S. social media diplomacy, bringing with it a fresh set of challenges for policymakers worldwide.
Diplomats are once again keeping a close watch on their timelines, bracing for the next unpredictable salvo from either man.
