Elon Musk may have stepped away from his government role, but he's far from stepping away from politics. An NBC News analysis shows just how much the billionaire is using X as his personal platform for political messaging and business promotion.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Between September 17 and October 17, Musk posted, responded to, or shared content 1,716 times on X. That's roughly 55 posts per day, every single day. Nearly half of those posts tackled politically sensitive topics ranging from immigration and violent crime to what he considers overly lenient judges.
The content hasn't been without controversy. Musk has been sharing conspiracy theories, including the antisemitic "great replacement" theory—the same type of content that drew sharp criticism two years ago. Yet he's continued down this path, seemingly undeterred.
Business Meets Politics
It's not all politics, though. About 41% of Musk's posts during this period promoted his various business ventures, with his AI startup xAI leading the pack as his most-discussed company. It's a fascinating blend of entrepreneurship and ideology, packaged for millions of followers.
After leaving his role in the Donald Trump administration in May to focus on his businesses, Musk has found another way to maintain his political footprint. His posts regularly draw millions of views, proving that you don't need an official government title to shape public conversation.
Why This Matters
Musk's social media activity reveals something important about modern influence. He's operating at the intersection of technology, business, and politics—using ownership of a major platform to amplify messages that align with far-right viewpoints while simultaneously promoting his corporate interests.
Whether you view this as problematic or just savvy use of his own megaphone, the impact is undeniable. Musk has positioned himself as one of the most influential figures in American discourse, all without holding elected office or an official government position. His shift toward right-wing ideology has been controversial, but it hasn't diminished his ability to command attention on a global scale.