Italy is experiencing a significant shift in its enthusiasm for a proposed €1.5 billion deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink. The initial excitement surrounding the prospect of enhanced satellite-based communications is now overshadowed by a growing unease regarding the reliability and trustworthiness of Musk himself, as well as the inherent security risks associated with utilizing a foreign-owned and operated system.
The concern stems from Musk’s demonstrably erratic behavior and his willingness to wield his technological power in unpredictable ways. Instances of Starlink service being disabled, even in situations perceived as critical, raise serious questions about the dependability of the system for a nation’s critical infrastructure.… Continue reading
The U.K. activist group Everyone Hates Elon (EHE) launched a campaign against Elon Musk, spurred by his political interference and controversial actions, including a perceived Nazi salute. EHE’s “Swasticar” poster, a viral social media sensation, highlights Musk’s perceived ties to far-right ideologies and aims to boycott Tesla, a major source of his wealth. The group funds anti-Musk initiatives, primarily supporting causes Musk opposes, through small donations triggered by his X posts. This grassroots movement signifies a growing global resistance against Musk’s influence on politics and society.
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Canadian politician Chrystia Freeland proposed a 100% tariff on Tesla vehicles in retaliation for US tariffs on Canadian goods, aiming to pressure White House stakeholders. This has sparked debate, with some criticizing the direct targeting of Tesla while others see it as justified given Elon Musk’s perceived support for President Trump. Alternatively, removing Canada’s 100% tariff on Chinese EVs could boost EV availability, counteract the impact of US tariffs, and potentially pressure American automakers to lobby against Trump’s trade policies. This approach would also facilitate the continued transition to zero-emission vehicles in Canada. The opening of the Canadian market to Chinese electric vehicles may ultimately benefit consumers and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.
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During a joint session of Congress, President Trump declared the end of “rule by unelected bureaucrats,” prompting laughter from Democrats who pointedly looked at Elon Musk. This followed Trump’s earlier introduction of Musk as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a claim contradicted by a recent White House court filing. DOGE, under Musk’s apparent direction, has implemented significant federal workforce reductions, leading to multiple lawsuits. The conflicting statements surrounding Musk’s role highlight the ongoing controversy surrounding DOGE’s actions and authority.
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Following a post by Ben Shapiro advocating for a pardon, Elon Musk re-shared the call on X for President Trump to pardon Derek Chauvin. Shapiro argued Chauvin’s conviction was a miscarriage of justice, ignoring the guilty verdict and lengthy prison sentence for the murder of George Floyd. Musk’s endorsement of this view prompted immediate controversy. The suggestion was met with widespread condemnation and fueled ongoing debates surrounding racial justice and the pardon process.
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Arson is suspected in a fire that severely damaged at least twelve Tesla vehicles at a French dealership, causing an estimated €700,000 in damages. Eight cars were completely destroyed, with evidence suggesting multiple points of origin and deliberate targeting of specific vehicles. This incident follows a recent surge in global anti-Tesla protests involving vandalism and attacks on company property, raising concerns about escalating tensions. Authorities are investigating, but the motive remains unclear.
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Tesla’s Australian February EV sales plummeted 71.9% year-on-year, totaling a mere 1,592 units. This dramatic drop, impacting both Model 3 and Model Y sales, extends a broader trend encompassing Europe and contrasts with a generally resurgent EV market. While Tesla attributes the decline to inventory and model refreshes, analysts also cite Elon Musk’s controversial political stances as a significant contributing factor. The situation highlights Tesla’s substantial influence on the Australian EV market and the potential impact of leadership controversies on brand performance.
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President Trump’s declaration of a national “woke” emergency has enabled a disregard for established norms and legal processes. This has manifested in actions such as leveraging meme coins for personal gain, circumventing Congressional authority, and potentially weaponizing the Department of Justice. The involvement of Elon Musk further blurs lines of accountability and regulatory oversight. This invocation of emergency, a hallmark of authoritarian regimes, normalizes otherwise unacceptable actions and accelerates the consolidation of power.
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Ontario Premier Doug Ford cancelled a $100 million contract with Starlink, a US-based company, and implemented a province-wide ban on US companies participating in provincial procurement. This action, a response to perceived economic attacks by the US, is part of a broader strategy to prioritize Canadian businesses and includes a potential 25 percent surcharge on electricity exports to neighboring states and control over high-grade nickel exports. Ford defended the decision, stating that contracts will not be awarded to entities encouraging economic attacks on Canada and that legal challenges will be met. The province’s annual $30 billion procurement budget will be significantly impacted by this policy shift.
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Elon Musk initially agreed to appear on Jon Stewart’s Daily Show, conditioned on the interview airing unedited, a condition Stewart readily accepted. However, Musk later reneged, labeling Stewart a partisan propagandist. Stewart responded by highlighting the hypocrisy of Musk’s claim, given his appearances on right-wing platforms, and challenged Musk to drop the pretense of neutrality. Stewart ultimately concluded that Musk’s refusal stemmed not from Stewart’s purported bias, but from a conflict of interest concerning Musk’s own views.
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