Errol Musk, the father of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, recently shared his concerns that his son’s life could be at risk due to his influence over Ukraine war policy in the US government.
Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, Elon Musk has supplied Starlink satellites to the Ukrainian military. The satellite internet system, operated by Musk’s rocket company SpaceX, provides mission-critical communications throughout the country.
This support consequentially means that the US government relies on the billionaire for key communications and updates in the momentous war. Without Musk’s satellites, the US’ connections and telecommunications with Ukrainian troops would likely be severely limited.
Due to this unique connection to the Ukrainian army, Musk has reportedly been favoured in US war discussions, despite his lack of governmental position.
During previous deliberations over the war Colin Kahl, then the under-secretary of defence for policy at the Pentagon, told the New Yorker “Even though Musk is not technically a diplomat or statesman, I felt it was important to treat him as such.”
Musk’s Starlink plays such an important role that federal officials are reportedly granting Musk influence in proceedings so as not to upset him and potentially jeopardise US support in Ukraine.
The same article from the New Yorker was the smoking gun that Musk’s father needed to voice his concerns for his son. Errol Musk told the U.S. Sun that he feared his son could be at risk of assassination due to the article’s portrayal of key role in the US support of Ukraine.
“It’s a hit job, a shadow government-sponsored opening salvo on Elon,” said the elder Musk, complaining that the New Yorker article has put a target on his son’s back.
As the CEO of one of the world’s most successful automotive companies, boasting a market capital of almost $770 billion, as well as his treatment as an “unelected official” in the US government, Musk has a major influence in both US politics and the nation’s economy.
All of these factors combined are clearly creating a cause for concern over the billionaire’s well-being. Are Errol Musk’s vocalised concerns just a dramatic call for safety, or could Elon’s influence in the Russia-Ukraine war put him at an elevated risk of assassination?
Also in the news:
Why insurance needs to move beyond indemnification and enable organisations to thrive
Want to keep seeing which stories are sparking our community?
Autonomous vehicles could change the world sooner than you think
Turning Risks into Opportunity: How insurance drives innovation at scale for future mobility