Fact Check: Musk turns on Farage over Reform UK direction (January 2025)

🗣️ The Claim

In January 2025, reports circulated that Elon Musk withdrew support for Nigel Farage, calling for him to resign as leader of Reform UK after initially praising his leadership. Farage has previously framed Musk as a long-term ally.

📍 The Context

  • Musk had shown sporadic interest in UK politics, often via social media commentary.
  • In 2024, he praised Farage’s stance on Brexit and “anti-establishment” positioning.
  • By early 2025, disagreements over Reform UK’s economic proposals and internal party disputes led Musk to publicly reverse his support.

🔎 The Facts

  1. Initial Support
    • Musk’s earlier praise was informal, largely on X (formerly Twitter).
    • He described Farage as a “strong voice” against establishment politics, but did not formally endorse Reform UK.
  2. Public Reversal
    • In January 2025, Musk posted that Farage should “step aside” as Reform’s leader.
    • He criticised Reform UK’s economic policies, particularly unfunded tax pledges, and raised concerns about party management.
  3. Media Coverage
    • Outlets including The Guardian and BBC News reported the reversal, noting the irony of Farage promoting Musk’s support previously.
    • The story highlighted the fragility of Farage’s claim to global backers.
  4. Farage’s Framing
    • Farage had implied Musk was a consistent supporter of his leadership.
    • Musk’s public call for resignation directly contradicted this narrative.

✅ Verdict: Misleading

It is true that Musk once praised Farage, but his support was informal and short-lived. By January 2025, Musk had explicitly called for Farage to resign. Farage’s portrayal of Musk as a lasting ally is misleading.

📚 Sources