Billionaire Elon Musk has made a dramatic return to the American political spotlight, marked by a high-profile dinner with former US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. This comes amid his significant role in shaping policy since Trump's second term began in 2025, where Musk effectively leads the newly created Department of Government Efficiency.
Journalist's Call for Prosecution Sparks Fury
However, Musk's deep political involvement is facing fierce criticism. British-American journalist Mehdi Hasan, during a conversation on the news platform Zeteo, outlined his vision for the ideal 2028 Democratic presidential candidate. He argued that the candidate must be "ruthless" and run on a platform to "prosecute and punish" those who "broke the law and destroyed the country."
Hasan specifically targeted Elon Musk, alleging the tech magnate was behind the recent Somali fraud crisis. "What we saw over Christmas, with the Somali fraud nonsense... That is all engineered by people like Elon Musk," Hasan claimed. He referenced a conversation with actor Jon Favreau on X, stating, "I'm only half joking when I say this... the next Democratic president should run on a plan to prosecute Elon Musk."
Musk's "Game Over" Retort and the Fraud Video Fallout
Musk did not take the allegations lightly. He swiftly responded to the 46-year-old journalist on X with a terse and ominous warning: "Game over for that pathetic weasel." The controversy stems from a viral video by right-wing YouTuber Nick Shirley, who visited several Somali-owned childcare facilities in Minnesota alleging widespread fraud.
The video's impact was substantial, prompting calls for investigations and even contributing to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz deciding not to seek re-election. Hasan's comments directly linked Musk to the creation and spread of this contentious content.
A New Era of Political Tech Battles
This public clash underscores the intensely polarized nature of current US politics, where tech billionaires like Musk are no longer just influencers but central political actors. Musk's warning, whether a serious threat or a rhetorical jab, highlights the heightened stakes and personal nature of conflicts in the online arena. The incident sets the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested 2028 election cycle, where the roles of technology, media, and personal vendettas will be critically examined.
