In a recent statement that stirred up quite the buzz, President Joe Biden made some bold claims about Elon Musk, the famous CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. At a campaign event in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Biden called Musk an “illegal worker” when he first came to the United States. This remark followed a report by The Washington Post, which shared details about how Musk got his start in the U.S. without proper work authorization. Let’s break down what this means and why it’s causing such a stir.

The Beginning of Musk’s Journey

Elon Musk, now one of the richest people in the world, came to the United States in the mid-1990s. His plan was to attend Stanford University for graduate school. However, instead of going to school, Musk decided to start his own business called Zip2 with his brother. This venture aimed to help newspapers create online directories. But here’s where things get tricky: Musk was in the U.S. on a student visa, which meant he was supposed to be in school. Since he didn’t attend classes, he was technically breaking the law.

Biden highlighted this point during his speech, saying, “The wealthiest man in the world turned out to be an illegal worker here.” This statement wasn’t just a jab at Musk; it was also a criticism of Musk’s current stance on immigration, especially as he has become a supporter of former President Donald Trump, who has made strong claims against illegal immigration.

Musk’s Rise to Wealth

After launching Zip2, Musk found great success. The company was sold for about $300 million in 1999, which gave him the financial backing to invest in Tesla and start SpaceX. Fast forward to today, and Musk’s net worth is estimated at a staggering $274 billion! He even bought Twitter (now called X) for $44 billion in late 2022.

Biden’s comments about Musk’s past were part of a larger critique aimed at Trump and the Republican party. Biden pointed out that while Musk has become a wealthy figure in America, he started his journey in a way that could be seen as hypocritical. Musk now criticizes illegal immigration, even though he himself began his career in the U.S. under questionable circumstances.

The Immigrant Debate

The immigration debate in the U.S. is intense and often controversial. Many people feel strongly about the laws surrounding immigration, and the topic has been a focal point for politicians from both parties. Biden used Musk’s story to illustrate what he sees as hypocrisy among some wealthy individuals who criticize immigration while having questionable pasts themselves.

During his campaign event, Biden stated, “He’s talking about all these ‘illegals’ coming our way.” This comment was directed at Musk and his current rhetoric regarding immigration, which often aligns with Trump’s policies. Biden also mentioned that illegal border crossings are at their lowest point in years, contrasting this with Trump’s claims about immigration issues.

Musk’s Recent Activities

Musk has been active in politics recently, especially in the swing state of Pennsylvania, where he held “town hall” events to rally support for Trump. He even offered $1 million in lottery-style prizes to registered voters who signed a petition supporting Trump. These actions have drawn attention and criticism from various corners, especially given the context of Biden’s comments.

Moreover, Musk’s pro-Trump group, America PAC, has been promoting policies that many see as extreme, including proposals for massive deportations and revoking birthright citizenship. Biden’s remarks serve as a reminder that the conversation about immigration is complex and often filled with contradictions.

Voter Fraud Myths

Musk has also shared some claims on social media that undocumented immigrants are voting in U.S. elections. This idea has been widely discredited, as voter fraud is extremely rare in the U.S. According to research, the chances of noncitizens voting are virtually nonexistent, and many allegations of fraud come from misunderstandings or mistakes rather than actual wrongdoing.

Biden’s response to these claims reinforces the message that spreading misinformation can create unnecessary fear and division. The president emphasizes that noncitizens are prohibited from registering or voting in federal elections and that extensive research backs up the rarity of voter fraud.

A Bigger Picture

Biden’s comments about Musk are more than just a personal attack; they touch on broader issues about wealth, immigration, and political hypocrisy. The president wants to remind people that the immigration debate is not just about laws and policies, but also about the stories of individuals who navigate these complex systems.

While Musk has become a symbol of success and innovation, his journey started with a legal gray area that raises questions about his current views on immigration. As the political landscape evolves, it will be interesting to see how Musk’s past and present influence public opinion and policy.