Elon Musk, the ever-bold tech entrepreneur and owner of X, kicked off 2025 with a striking call for the release of Tommy Robinson, a controversial British activist.
Musk took to X on Thursday, urging authorities to “free Tommy Robinson” and described Robinson’s contentious documentary as “worth watching.”
Robinson, known for his outspoken activism and leadership of the English Defence League, is serving an 18-month sentence after admitting to breaching a court order. The infraction? Screening a documentary that allegedly included libelous claims about a Syrian refugee schoolboy. Musk, unfazed by the controversy, shared the film with his massive audience of 210 million followers, emphasizing its significance.
Robinson’s story is no stranger to the public eye. As one of the UK’s most recognized right-wing figures, his rallies often draw thousands of passionate supporters. Though a former British National Party member and an unsuccessful candidate for the European Parliament in 2019, Robinson remains a polarizing figure.
The documentary at the heart of the legal battle has drawn significant criticism. Lawyers for the refugee schoolboy, who successfully sued Robinson for libel, described the claims as having a “devastating effect” on the boy’s family, forcing them to relocate.
Musk’s support for Robinson comes amid his sharp criticisms of British politics. He’s been in a fiery feud with the ruling Labour Party, branding the UK a “tyrannical police state” and predicting “civil war is inevitable” following a turbulent summer of unrest.
His endorsement of Robinson, however, could stir tensions for Nigel Farage and his Reform UK party. While Farage seeks to carve out a more mainstream image for his movement, Musk’s alignment with figures like Robinson may create friction. Despite this, Musk and Farage appear to share mutual respect, with reports of meetings at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort fueling speculation about deeper ties.
Musk’s political interventions aren’t confined to Britain. In Germany, he’s sparked debate by championing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), hailing it as the “last spark of hope” for the country.
As Musk continues to navigate the intersection of technology, politics, and free speech, his support for figures like Robinson underscores his unapologetic approach to challenging the status quo. Whether celebrated or criticized, Musk’s voice remains impossible to ignore.
