In an unexpected and fiery social media rant, Azealia Banks launched an extraordinary attack on Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and owner of X (formerly Twitter), calling for the public to reject his growing influence over American politics. The controversial rapper, known for her outspoken views, took to X (formerly Twitter) on November 4 to declare that she would be voting for Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, despite her reservations about the Democratic candidate.
Banks Slams Musk’s Political Influence
Banks, who had previously expressed support for Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election, drew sharp lines against Musk in her post, accusing him of using his platform to push a political agenda that could be detrimental to the American public. She emphasized her concern over Musk’s increasing role in shaping political discourse and influence, particularly in light of his acquisition of Twitter/X and his vocal stance on several social issues.
In her post, Banks warned her followers not to allow Musk—whom she referred to as a “dangerous” and “irresponsible” figure—to continue having the kind of influence he currently does, especially in relation to U.S. politics. The rapper framed Musk’s sway over the tech industry, media, and now, public debate, as a growing threat to democracy.
“Don’t let Elon Musk be the one to decide who leads this country,” Banks wrote. “He’s dangerous. He’s not for the people. Vote for Kamala Harris. I don’t love her, but I love this country.”
A Change in Stance: From Trump to Harris?
Banks’s announcement was particularly striking given her previous political stance. In 2020, the rapper controversially stated that she would vote for Donald Trump, citing dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party and frustrations with its leaders, including Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden. However, in the wake of recent political developments and Musk’s controversial actions, she has appeared to reverse her previous support for Trump, aligning herself with Kamala Harris, despite her admitted reservations about Harris’s policies.
It remains unclear what exactly shifted Banks’s perspective on Trump, but her call to support Kamala Harris suggests a deepening frustration with what she perceives as Musk’s unchecked influence on American democracy. Banks has long been known for her unpredictable political views, and her latest comments underscore the volatility in the political landscape as the 2024 election cycle heats up.
Musk’s Growing Influence and Criticism
Elon Musk, whose business ventures span Tesla, SpaceX, and the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), has increasingly inserted himself into the political spotlight. Since acquiring Twitter in 2022, Musk has used the platform to promote various political viewpoints, often aligning with more conservative ideas, while simultaneously criticizing progressive policies. He has also been known for engaging in heated online debates, provoking both fans and critics.
Musk’s management of X has raised alarm for many, who argue that his influence over the platform’s policies on free speech, disinformation, and censorship could have significant repercussions for U.S. democracy. Critics argue that Musk’s agenda, whether intentional or not, could sway public opinion in ways that are not aligned with the interests of the general population.
Banks Calls for Caution and Accountability
Banks’s attack on Musk also extended beyond just the 2024 election, calling for a reevaluation of how figures like Musk, with immense power and wealth, continue to influence politics, media, and public opinion. “There’s too much money and power concentrated in one place,” she said in her posts, adding that big tech and billionaires should not be allowed to decide the future of the country.
Despite her criticisms of both political parties and public figures, Banks emphasized the importance of voter participation and urged her followers to vote in the 2024 election. Although she admitted to uncertainty about Harris’s leadership, she argued that voting for the current Vice President was the lesser of two evils compared to the alternative of Trump and the rising influence of figures like Musk.
Conclusion
Azealia Banks’s comments about Elon Musk and her 2024 voting intentions have once again put her at the center of political discourse, drawing attention to the growing concern over the role of tech moguls in shaping political outcomes. As the U.S. approaches another crucial election, her call to vote for Kamala Harris in opposition to Musk’s influence adds to the ever-growing tension surrounding the intersection of politics, social media, and big tech.
While Banks’s stance may alienate some and provoke others, her passionate message reflects a wider public debate about the impact of billionaires and tech giants in the political process. As Musk continues to dominate headlines with his influence over both business and politics, voices like Banks’s remind us that the power to shape public opinion should not rest in the hands of a few, but with the people themselves.
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