logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2025
24m 33s

Why is Elon Musk meddling in European po...

Bbc World Service
About this episode

The world’s richest man, Elon Musk, has revolutionised every industry he has ever worked in – from online payments and electric vehicles to space travel and satellite communications. Now he’s positioning himself as a major force in global politics. He is already going to play a key role in the United States as an advisor to President Donald Trump, but he has also turned his attention to Germany and the UK.

Lucy Hockings speaks with Mike Wendling and Jessica Parker about whether Musk's motivations for getting involved in European politics are professional or personal.

The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Producers: Alice Aylett Roberts and Alix Pickles

Sound engineer: Mike Regaard

Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas

Senior news editor: China Collins

(Picture: Elon Musk. Credit: Reuters)

Up next
Yesterday
Trump’s ‘CEO of everything’
The billionaire Larry Ellison could soon control huge portions of America’s AI, attention economy and legacy media. He already owns swathes of AI infrastructure and is preparing to takeover TikTok, whilst his son, whose company already owns Paramount, is preparing a deal to buy W ... Show More
26m 19s
Oct 7
One man's quest to get his brothers released from Gaza
On October 7 2023 Hamas attacked Israel, taking 251 people hostage. Gali and Ziv Berman were among them – twin brothers who lived on a kibbutz near the Gaza border. They were 24 years old. Now, after 2 years they are among the remaining hostages still being held in captivity. But ... Show More
26m 31s
Oct 6
Is Trump on the brink of achieving peace in Gaza?
Mediators for Hamas and Israel are set to meet in Egypt on Monday for indirect talks, after Hamas agreed to a US peace plan. It’s a stunning diplomatic breakthrough for Donald Trump, whose plan proposes an immediate end to fighting and the release within 72 hours of 20 living Isr ... Show More
26m 37s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2025
Why Elon Musk is trolling world leaders
Elon Musk, the world's richest man, South African-born American resident and owner of X (formerly Twitter), is already within the fold of US politics and president-elect Trump's upcoming government.      Recently, more of his attention has turned to Europe, with Musk sharing supp ... Show More
20m 32s
Jan 2025
Is Elon Musk dictating the British political agenda?
Scroll through his latest posts on X and Elon Musk has a laser focus on UK politics. His main targets? Keir Starmer and Jess Phillips MP and their response to the country’s grooming scandal. He’s also blowing hot and cold on Reform UK. So what influence is the world’s richest man ... Show More
31m 46s
Nov 2024
Elon Musk Launches Into American Politics
After single-handedly remaking the auto industry, social media and the global space race, Elon Musk is now turning his attention, and personal fortune, to politics.Over the past few months, he became one of the most influential figures in the race for president, and on Tuesday Do ... Show More
28m 43s
Jan 2025
Elon Musk: Europe’s Bloviator-in-Chief
The world’s richest man has a lot to say, a vast platform, and the ear of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Now he has turned his focus to Europe. As Elon Musk weighs in on European politics, often supporting extreme candidates and promoting conspiracies, Brussels tech regs appe ... Show More
33m 56s
Jan 2025
Elon Musk vs Labour
Today, we look a why tech multi billionaire Elon Musk, and friend of Donald Trump is getting involved in British politics.He’s been critical of Labour and Sir Keir Starmer and has formed an allegiance with Reform UK.But there’s a disagreement between Musk and its leader Nigel Far ... Show More
24m 14s
Aug 20
Elon Musk’s ‘America Party’ Takes a Back Seat
A.M. Edition for Aug 20. Billionaire Elon Musk is quietly pausing his highly publicized ambitions to launch a political party. WSJ’s Brian Schwartz says Musk plans to focus on Tesla and SpaceX, while telling allies he is reluctant to create a rift with powerful Republicans. Plus, ... Show More
14m 33s
Jun 2025
Are Trump and Musk Done for Good?
The storybook bromance between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk seems to have come to an end. WSJ’s Rebecca Ballhaus unpacks what happened and what the stakes are for the two powerful men. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Tesla Has a Problem: Elon Musk - Elon Musk’ ... Show More
20m 59s
Jan 2025
Elon Musk’s political evolution
Why is Elon Musk increasingly trying to influence UK politics?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus 
31m 40s
Oct 2024
Uncovering Elon Musk's Secret Political Donations
Elon Musk's financial support for Republican causes has been much more extensive and started earlier than previously known. WSJ’s Dana Mattioli reports on Musk’s rightward political shift and explains how he hid his donations.  Further Listening: - Elon Musk and Silicon Valley Tu ... Show More
20m 24s