Elon Musk deleted a September 2024 post on X after it drew backlash for referring to assassination attempts against then-President Joe Biden and then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Musk later said he meant the remark as a joke. The post was not a direct instruction to harm either official, and his stated intent is not independently established.
What did Musk post about Biden and Harris?
On September 15, 2024, after an apparent second assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump at a Florida golf course, Musk replied on X to a user asking, “Why they want to kill Donald Trump?” Musk wrote: “And no one is even trying to assassinate Biden/Kamala 🤔.” ABC News reported the post and its context; PolitiFact also documented the wording.
The remark named both Biden and Harris. It appeared in the immediate aftermath of violence directed at Trump, a context that shaped the reaction to Musk’s words.
Why did Musk delete the post?
Musk deleted the post on September 16, after it prompted criticism. He explained that he had intended it as a joke, writing: “Well, one lesson I’ve learned is that just because I say something to a group and they laugh doesn’t mean it’s going to be all that hilarious as a post on X.” He added: “Turns out that jokes are WAY less funny if people don’t know the context and the delivery is plain text.” Those are Musk’s explanations of his intent, not independent confirmation of it. ABC News reported his comments and said the post had received nearly 40 million impressions before deletion.
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How did the White House respond?
The White House called the post “irresponsible” and said: “Violence should only be condemned, never encouraged or joked about.” Its statement also quoted Biden and Harris saying, “there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country,” and that “we all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence.” ABC News reported the statement. Al Jazeera identified Andrew Bates, then a White House deputy press secretary, as condemning Musk’s comments.
Did the Secret Service investigate Musk?
The Secret Service said it was aware of Musk’s post but would not comment on matters involving protective intelligence. Spokesperson Melissa McKenzie told Axios: “The Secret Service is aware of the social media post made by Elon Musk and as a matter of practice, we do not comment on matters involving protective intelligence.” Axios reported the statement.
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Later reporting, citing Bloomberg, said agency records had been withheld in response to a records request because releasing them could interfere with enforcement proceedings. Axios also said the agency did not confirm a specific investigation into Musk to the outlet. These details do not establish that the Secret Service investigated, cleared, or disciplined him.
Was the viral FBI screenshot real?
No. A screenshot circulating online claimed the FBI said it would visit Musk. PolitiFact reported that the FBI told it the post was not published by the bureau and did not appear on the FBI’s account; the fact-check found no credible evidence the FBI had posted and deleted it. PolitiFact’s account explains its verification.
Did the post cost Musk his security clearance?
The reporting cited here does not establish that Musk lost a security clearance or faced a confirmed penalty because of the post. PolitiFact’s expert analysis said the remark might reflect poorly on personal judgment, but that interpretation and an agency’s review would matter; even a review would not guarantee loss of clearance. PolitiFact discussed the question.
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