Elon Musk questions Trump assassination attempts in deleted post

Elon Musk recently faced backlash for a social media post regarding assassination attempts on President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The post, which Musk later deleted, claimed that 'no one is even trying' to assassinate them and was made shortly after a suspected assassination attempt on Donald Trump at his golf course in Florida. Musk described the post as a joke, but it drew criticism from many users on X, who accused him of inciting violence against the two leaders. The White House condemned Musk's comments, labeling the rhetoric as 'irresponsible' and emphasizing that violence should never be encouraged or joked about. The statement highlighted the need for a society free from political violence. The US Secret Service acknowledged awareness of Musk's post but refrained from commenting on specific protective intelligence matters, stating that they investigate all threats related to their protectees. Following the controversy, Musk reflected on the situation, noting that humor can be misinterpreted when lacking context. He expressed that what may seem funny in a private setting does not always translate well to a public forum. This incident is not isolated, as Musk has previously shown support for Trump and criticized Biden and Harris, particularly after a separate assassination attempt against Trump in July. Musk's relationship with Trump and his public statements have raised concerns about the potential implications of his rhetoric, especially in a politically charged environment. The incident underscores the delicate balance between free speech and the responsibility that comes with public influence.