Elon Musk calls Biden and Harris puppets after controversial post removal

Elon Musk faced backlash after posting a controversial message on social media, questioning why there had been no assassination attempts on President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. He characterized them as 'puppets' of the system, suggesting they could easily be replaced. This post drew attention from the Secret Service, which is responsible for the safety of these officials, although they did not directly contact Musk regarding the matter. Musk later admitted that he deleted the post, calling it 'dumb.' The incident occurred shortly after former President Donald Trump survived a second assassination attempt, which highlighted the contrasting security situations between Trump and the current administration. Musk's comments echoed sentiments expressed by Trump’s running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, who noted the lack of threats against Biden and Harris compared to Trump. Vance's remarks sparked further debate about political rhetoric and its implications. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre condemned the language used by Musk and Vance, emphasizing the responsibility of national leaders to avoid dangerous rhetoric that could influence public behavior. The discussion around these comments reflects broader concerns about political discourse in the current climate, especially in light of recent violent incidents targeting political figures. Musk's remarks and their fallout illustrate the complex interplay between social media, political commentary, and public safety. As a high-profile figure, Musk's statements carry weight and can provoke significant reactions, both from the public and governmental agencies tasked with ensuring the safety of elected officials.