In his signature blend of humor and controversy, Elon Musk has taken aim at billionaire George Soros after President Joe Biden awarded Soros the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), added fuel to the online trolling frenzy by comparing Soros to Darth Sidious, the cunning Sith Lord from Star Wars.
The comparison aligns with conspiracy theories accusing Soros of wielding hidden influence over global politics. Musk’s comment, “George Soros looking quite good here. Must be the lighting,” added a touch of sarcasm that ignited both laughter and debate online.
The meme that sparked a storm
This comparison didn’t come out of the blue. Soros, a billionaire philanthropist, is often accused by conspiracy theorists of covertly manipulating global events. Musk’s tweet, dripping with humor, played into this narrative, leading to a flood of reactions—ranging from laughter to outrage—across social media.
Biden’s Medal of Freedom sparks criticism
Musk wasn’t the only one questioning Biden’s decision to honor Soros. Netizens flooded X with sharp critiques.
One user wrote, “Joe Biden has disgraced the Medal of Freedom!” Another compared Soros to Hitler in a provocative post, while a third called for Soros to be jailed, writing, “President Trump should put Soros in jail.”
Adding to the pile-on, a fourth user declared, “The man should have a warrant against him, not a medal.”
Is Musk becoming the ‘Soros of the Right’?
Interestingly, Musk himself has been likened to Soros, albeit from a different ideological perspective. In a speech at Mar-a-Lago, Musk joked, “I guess someone’s got to be the George Soros on the right. I’d call myself George Soros of the center, I think.”
While Soros is a long-time backer of liberal causes, Musk positions himself as a champion of “common sense” principles—supporting free speech, secure borders, and safe cities. His political activity, however, has led many to question whether Musk’s growing influence will deepen global polarization.
Critics and allies weigh in
The comparisons between Musk and Soros have sparked debates among political and media commentators:
Conservatives argue that Musk faces harsher scrutiny than Soros. Fox News host Mark Levin questioned, “How come the media relentlessly and dishonestly scrutinize Elon Musk but give George and Alex Soros a pass?”
Critics, however, point to Musk’s inflammatory rhetoric as evidence of his divisiveness. His 2023 tweet comparing Soros to Magneto, a Holocaust survivor, drew widespread condemnation. Musk later claimed that Soros “hates humanity,” further fueling the backlash.
The bigger picture: A tale of two billionaires
While both Musk and Soros wield significant influence, their strategies differ:
Soros: Through the Open Society Foundations, Soros funds progressive causes, focusing on systemic reforms such as criminal justice and immigration policies. However, his efforts have made him a lightning rod for conspiracy theories, often tinged with antisemitism.
Musk: Musk’s approach is more direct and personal. His political moves often align with his business interests and his vision of “common sense” governance, emphasizing efficiency and disruption over systemic change.
Why it matters
Elon Musk’s growing involvement in politics raises questions about the ethics of billionaire-led activism. His critics warn that his unchecked influence—spanning social media, tech, and campaign donations—could undermine democratic norms.
Yet Musk’s supporters see him as a necessary counterbalance to figures like Soros, arguing that his interventions are rooted in pragmatism and innovation.
