Elon Musk's Most Controversial Moments of 2025 

The World's Richest Human Infiltrates D.C. 

From explosive political stunts to eyebrow-raising government roles, Elon Musk dominated headlines in 2025 with a mix of spectacle and a whole lot of scandal. 
Whether he's making waves with provocative social media posts, stirring outrage over alleged extremist gestures, or even taking on powerful and unexpected new titles in Washington, D.C., Musk's influence has grown more polarizing than ever. 

Keep reading to uncover the full scope of Musk's most controversial moments of the year so far.
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The 'Gesture' Saw Round the World

In January 2025, during President Donald Trump's second inauguration, Elon Musk made a gesture resembling a Nazi salute, sparking widespread criticism. 
While Musk later dismissed it as an awkward moment, organizations like the Anti-Defamation League expressed concern over the normalization of extremist symbols.
Read more about Musk's controversial gesture here.

Musk's Role in the Trump Administration and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

Appointed as a senior adviser to President Donald Trump, Elon Musk spearheads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aiming to streamline federal operations. 
Despite lacking formal authority, Musk's influence has led to significant staff reductions and even the controversial use of AI for monitoring federal employees.
Read more about DOGE here.

Musk Now Has 14 Kids… That We Know Of

As of April 2025, Elon Musk is confirmed to have fathered 14 children with at least four women. 
When Ashley St. Clair, the reportedly 26-year-old conservative influencer who announced on February 14 that she has a five-month-old son fathered by Musk (which Musk has not yet publicly commented on), the number of known mini Musks stood at 13, a tidy baker's dozen. 
Then, just two weeks later, on February 28, he did it again. Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis, with whom Musk shares at least three other children (again, that we know of), took to social media to announce the existence of another child, bringing the total up to 14.

Tesla's Declining Sales and Public Backlash

Tesla reported a 13 percent drop in sales during the first quarter of 2025, attributed to aging vehicle models and growing public disapproval of Elon Musk's political activities. 
Protests have emerged in major cities, reflecting concerns over Musk's influence on the company's direction. 
Read more about the Tesla boycott here.

Musk's Controversial Posts on X

Elon Musk's activity on X  has intensified, with posts that have drawn criticism for promoting misinformation and extremist views. 
A notable instance from March once again found him at the center of controversy after he shared a post that minimized Adolf Hitler's role in the Holocaust, attributing mass killings to "public sector workers." 
The post, which also referenced the 20th-century dictators Joseph Stalin and Mao Zedong, quickly went viral, amassing more than a million views. Musk's retweet ignited backlash from advocacy groups and public figures, with the Anti-Defamation League condemning him for elevating rhetoric that "undermines the seriousness" of historical atrocities. 
Read more about Musk's Holocaust scandal here.

Musk's Pentagon Visit and China War Plans Debate

In early 2025, Musk visited the Pentagon to discuss potential strategies concerning China, raising eyebrows due to his dual roles in government advisory and private enterprise. 
According to reports, the DOGE specialist attended a military briefing at the Pentagon on March 21 about a top-secret plan teetering on whether or not the United States should ever go to war with China.
Read more about the Space X CEO's Pentagon visit here.