In a controversial statement that has ignited fierce debate across social media and political circles, Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, declared that pride flags should be banned in classrooms “forever.” This declaration came shortly after Musk’s widely discussed interaction with boxer Imane Khelif during the 2025 Olympics. Musk’s remarks have sparked outrage and support from various factions, showcasing his ongoing influence and polarizing presence in global conversations about social issues.
The 2025 Summer Olympics, held in Paris, were already an event of great significance. With numerous countries vying for gold medals and national pride, the games were set to shine a spotlight on athletes who not only demonstrated excellence in their respective sports but also became symbols of resilience and perseverance. Among the standout athletes was Imane Khelif, a rising star in the boxing world and a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
During a highly anticipated match, Khelif was seen wearing a rainbow-colored pride flag pin as part of her support for LGBTQ+ rights, a gesture of solidarity with the community. However, the focus shifted from Khelif’s athletic prowess to an incident that occurred just outside the boxing ring. Elon Musk, who was present at the event as part of his private interest in international sports, was reportedly seen snubbing Khelif after her victory, ignoring her attempt at a handshake.
The moment was caught on camera and quickly went viral. While some speculated that Musk’s behavior was simply a result of a busy schedule or personal preferences, the timing and context of the incident sparked widespread backlash. Critics accused Musk of intentionally avoiding Khelif due to her public stance on LGBTQ+ rights, with many pointing to his previous controversial statements about the LGBTQ+ community.
Following the controversy surrounding the Olympics, Musk took to social media to express his views on LGBTQ+ issues. In a tweet that garnered immediate attention, Musk declared: “Pride flags should be banned in classrooms, forever.” The statement sent shockwaves across various social and political landscapes, immediately dividing public opinion.
Supporters of Musk’s viewpoint argued that his stance was based on a belief that classrooms should remain politically neutral and free from symbols that could be viewed as divisive. Musk, who has often expressed libertarian viewpoints, has consistently advocated for less governmental intervention in personal freedoms. His supporters contend that the LGBTQ+ flag, while a symbol of pride and inclusivity for many, might not belong in educational settings where young children are impressionable and schools should focus on academic learning without influencing political or social beliefs.
On the other hand, critics of Musk’s statement viewed it as a direct attack on the LGBTQ+ community, and specifically on the younger generation’s right to express their identity. Activists and LGBTQ+ advocates quickly condemned Musk’s remark, pointing out the importance of fostering inclusivity and acceptance in schools. The pride flag, they argued, serves as a symbol of support for marginalized communities, offering students a sense of belonging and safety.
Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and a close adviser to President-elect Donald J. Trump, shocked many in Germany last week by endorsing its far-right Alternative for Germany party, which is under surveillance by domestic intelligence for being extremist.
This week, Mr. Musk entangled himself even more in the country’s snap election, explaining in a newspaper opinion essay why he believes the far-right party is the “last spark of hope” for Germany.
“The traditional parties have failed in Germany,” Mr. Musk wrote in comments published online by the daily Welt on Saturday. “Their policies have led to economic stagnation, social unrest, and the erosion of national identity.”
Mr. Musk’s opinion piece comes as Germany girds itself for an intense winter election after Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party coalition collapsed in November. On Friday President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany officially announced the disbandment of Parliament and set Feb. 23 as the date for new elections.
With four mainstream and three extremist parties on the left and right vying for seats in Parliament and government participation, polls are favoring the conservative Christian Democratic Union. However, the AfD, with its anti-immigrant platform, is polling in second place, with roughly 20 percent.
Mr. Musk’s commentary was printed in the Sunday edition of the Welt, a conservative daily owned by the Axel Springer media group, which also owns Politico in the United States. Many of the paper’s journalists protested the printing of the commentary, according to reports. Eva Marie Kogel, who had been the paper’s head of opinion, resigned from her post after the printing, she confirmed on X.
But why would Elon Musk take such a drastic step? The reasoning behind this supposed call is unclear, with some suggesting it could be tied to Swift’s political stances or other public disagreements Musk might have with her. Was this a carefully calculated move to hit back at Swift’s influence? Or could it be something else entirely?
Swift’s swift (pun intended) drop in followers has left fans and media outlets stunned. However, the real story may not be as straightforward as it seems. Could the numbers have been exaggerated? Are we witnessing a social media conspiracy in real-time, or is this just a case of misunderstanding the data?
The Kardashian Family—Caught in the Same Web?
This sudden drop in followers could be a sign of how quickly social media trends are shaped by influential figures like Musk. But again, the magnitude of the loss is being questioned. Is the Kardashian drop real, or is it just a rumor circulating among fans and critics? Could the numbers be inflated?
The Power of Social Media Influencers—Fact or Fiction?
It’s no secret that social media influencers—especially those with massive followings like Elon Musk, Taylor Swift, and the Kardashians—have the power to sway opinions and trends. Musk’s influence has shown time and again how a single tweet can shift public sentiment or even alter the course of online conversations. But is his influence so powerful that it can single-handedly cause such a significant decline in followers?
While it’s true that Musk’s social media actions often spark widespread reactions, the scale of this alleged event seems unbelievable. Could it all be a misunderstanding or a cleverly crafted narrative designed to fuel controversy? Or is Musk actually capable of orchestrating such a dramatic shift in social media dynamics?
The Ethics of Social Media Boycotts
If these claims are true, the implications are staggering. A social media boycott could have a massive impact on a celebrity’s brand, sponsorships, and public image. For stars like Swift and the Kardashians, losing millions of followers could affect their ability to engage with fans, promote their work, or even secure future deals.
But is there a deeper issue here? Should influential figures like Musk be able to use their social media power to manipulate public opinion in this way? And if these claims are true, what does it say about the growing power struggle between celebrities and influencers on social media?
The Truth Behind the Numbers
So, what’s really going on? Are Swift and the Kardashians truly facing a massive decline in followers, or is this just a rumor spread to stoke controversy? With conflicting reports and no official confirmation from the celebrities themselves, it’s hard to say for certain.
One thing is clear: the power of social media continues to grow, and with it, the ability of influential figures like Musk to control or influence trends. But whether this particular incident is real or simply a well-timed rumor remains to be seen.
