For many in Europe’s far-right circles, engaging with Musk has become a proven strategy to expand their reach. A simple retweet or reply from Musk can result in millions of views and a surge in followers, according to an Associated Press analysis of public data.
Recognizing this, influencers have repeatedly tagged Musk in hopes of gaining visibility. While concerns about foreign interference traditionally focus on Russia or China, European officials are now sounding the alarm about American influence—specifically Musk's. “Every alarm bell needs to ring,” said Christel Schaldemose, a European Parliament vice president focused on electoral interference and digital regulation.
Musk’s Reach on X Is Unmatched
Since his purchase of Twitter in October 2022, Musk’s follower count has more than doubled, reaching over 220 million—the fastest growth among major accounts. His online megaphone has grown significantly, with global political implications.
Musk has used his platform to spotlight a growing alliance of nationalist leaders and activists who are pushing anti-migration policies, opposing progressive reforms, and championing an absolutist interpretation of free speech. This movement has raised tensions within the long-standing transatlantic relationship between the U.S. and Europe.
Controversial Figures Gain From Musk’s Attention
Many of the accounts boosted by Musk belong to individuals facing legal or ethical scrutiny in their home countries:
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Tommy Robinson (UK) – sentenced for defying a court order related to libel.
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Bjoern Hoecke (Germany, AfD) – convicted for using a Nazi slogan.
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Matteo Salvini (Italy) – recently acquitted in a high-profile migrant detention case.
Others include:
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Alice Weidel – a leader in Germany’s AfD.
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Eva Vlaardingerbroek – a Dutch far-right influencer.
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Naomi Seibt – a German climate skeptic dubbed the “anti-Greta Thunberg,” now in self-imposed exile in the U.S.
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Rubén Pulido and Foro Madrid – linked to Spain’s Vox party.
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Fidias Panayiotou – a Cypriot politician and vocal supporter of Musk’s ventures.
Together, these accounts gained nearly 5 million followers from October 2022 to January 2024, with many seeing follower growth in the hundreds or even thousands of percentage points.
When Musk interacts with an account, its views often double or triple, and in some cases spike 30 to 40 times above the usual engagement.
Getting Musk’s Attention Can Be a Game Changer
For emerging influencers, attracting Musk’s attention can be transformative. Naomi Seibt, for example, tagged Musk nearly 600 times before he finally responded in June 2024, asking her to explain the controversy surrounding Germany’s AfD party.
This dynamic creates a powerful incentive structure: engaging with Musk—even persistently—can result in a massive boost in visibility and credibility across the political spectrum.