As the 2024 US presidential election approaches, a decade-old interview featuring Elon Musk and his brother Kimbal has reignited controversy. The video, from a 2013 Milken Institute Global Conference, reveals that the Musk brothers once lived in the US as illegal immigrants—a revelation that contrasts with Elon Musk’s current stance on immigration.
In the resurfaced clip, Kimbal Musk admits that he and Elon were “illegal immigrants” when they moved from South Africa to Canada and later to the United States. During the interview, Kimbal recalls their struggles to raise funds for Zip2, Elon’s first company. “When they did fund us, they realized we were illegal immigrants,” Kimbal said. Elon tried to clarify, calling it a “gray area,” but Kimbal doubled down on the statement, causing laughter in the crowd.
Elon Musk, who now owns X (formerly Twitter) and is a vocal supporter of the GOP, has been critical of illegal immigration, especially since his 2023 visit to the US-Mexico border. Despite identifying as “pro-immigrant,” Musk has called for restrictions on immigration, a position that has placed him at the center of political debate.
Elon Musk’s brother admits for a time he and Elon were illegal migrants getting money from investors and working without a work permit which is a FEDERAL crime. But MSM doesn’t EVER say a word while Musk condemns legal Haitian migrants. Deport Elon!
pic.twitter.com/a8PKGbqaK4— Mr. Reynolds (@MrReynolds52) September 28, 2024
The resurfacing of this clip has led to widespread discussion, with some accusing Elon Musk of hypocrisy. Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions, including a viral post calling for his deportation. One X user wrote, “Elon Musk’s brother admits for a time he and Elon were illegal migrants getting money from investors and working without a work permit, which is a FEDERAL crime.”
The timing of the clip’s resurgence is significant, as the US election is just weeks away, and Elon Musk has been a prominent figure in political discussions. His endorsement of Donald Trump and his tough stance on immigration are now being scrutinized in light of the recent revelations about his own past.
The controversy highlights the complexities of Musk’s public persona, as his early life experiences as an immigrant stand in stark contrast to his current political positions. Whether or not this revelation will impact his influence in the political arena remains to be seen.
