Elon Musk: Genius, Villain, or Both?

V24 team hit the streets of New York City to find out what people really think about Elon Musk.

The Polarizing Figure of Elon Musk

Hailing from South Africa, Musk revolutionized industries with Tesla and SpaceX, amassing a fortune of over $400 billion. He’s celebrated as a tech genius who’s pushing humanity into the future with electric cars and space exploration. But with his immense wealth and influence, Musk has also become a lightning rod for controversy. His political ties, business practices, and often unpredictable public statements have led many to question: Is he a visionary changing the world for the better or a symbol of unchecked capitalism?

Admiration

Elon Musk is seen by many as the prime example of what modern entrepreneurship can achieve. One fan put it simply: “He’s smart and rich.” His work with Tesla has transformed the electric vehicle industry, and SpaceX is bringing space exploration closer to reality.

Fans also praise his innovative products, with one person noting, “Tesla’s robots are cool. I like the Cybertruck.” Musk's commitment to a better future is frequently mentioned, with one admirer saying, “He’s wanting to make the world a better place and going beyond the world to make everybody have more opportunities.”

“He’s a genius,” said another supporter. His focus on energy efficiency and sustainability has earned him respect as a leader in pushing for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Criticism

With great power comes great scrutiny. Musk’s immense wealth and control over major companies have raised alarms about the concentration of power in the hands of a few. Critics argue this is undemocratic and dangerous. “It’s undemocratic for one person to have so much power,” one person warns, pointing out how Musk’s influence stretches far beyond tech and into politics - potentially even British politics.

His purchase of Twitter (now X) has sparked even more backlash. Some New Yorkers believe Musk has turned the platform into a tool for his personal and political agendas rather than keeping it a neutral space for open discussion. “I don’t like what he’s done with Twitter,” says one critic. Some criticize his behavior, calling him a “jerk” and accusing him of using his money for the wrong reasons. Others emphasize their discomfort with his power and influence: "He flaunts his wealth" and seems "selfish".

Another point of contention is Musk’s association with political figures like Donald Trump. "I think it’s a power grab," one individual remarks, referring to Musk’s apparent political leanings.

Musk’s Place in the World

Elon Musk’s influence is undeniable. To some, he’s a visionary pushing the boundaries of technology and politics. To others, he’s a symbol of everything that’s wrong with the modern world.

Will he be remembered as a genius who changed the world, or a cautionary tale of the dangers of unchecked wealth and power?

One thing is certain: Elon Musk doesn’t leave people indifferent. The 100 New Yorkers we stopped on the streets of Manhattan are a sure testament to that.

Alexandra Audrey Tompson

Editor-in-Chief | Lawyer (Admitted in New York; England & Wales)