Elon Musk has denied accusations of racism, saying 'I'm not racist' after a string of January 2026 posts on X that drew criticism for repeatedly invoking race, white identity and immigration. A recent interview revived scrutiny of his online activity, with critics saying the posts crossed a line into racially charged territory.
The row matters because Musk is not only one of the world's richest men but also the owner of a major social platform, giving his views an outsized reach. That combination has made his online commentary especially significant, with supporters saying he is raising difficult questions and critics including Steve Benen and commentators on CNN arguing that he is amplifying language long associated with white nationalist talking points.
