Influential tech entrepreneur and billionaire Elon Musk has addressed his negative recent experiences with mainstream media outlets, calling recent narratives false and unfounded.

In an interview with Lara Trump, Musk addressed the backlash surrounding his advisory role to President Donald Trump, emphasizing his stance against the inaccurate portrayals by members of the media, some of whom he says would love to see him dead, as The Hill reports.

Musk, who played a significant role in aiding Trump during the initial months of his administration, has faced criticism about his connections to the president.

These grievances were amplified after Trump's inauguration in January, where some misinterpreted Musk's gesture at a rally for the president's supporters as a form of Nazi salute.

The Tesla CEO voiced his dissatisfaction with the media, accusing journalists of distorting his gestures and motives. He believed these false narratives were part of a broader campaign against him, reflective of what he described as attempts at ruining his reputation.

Musk reflects

During his conversation with Lara Trump, Musk took the time to reflect on his childhood in South Africa during the apartheid era, aiming to clarify misunderstandings about his past and ideologies. He was especially vocal in defending himself against Nazi comparisons, noting that such allegations are outrageous.

Musk emphatically rejected the claims, arguing he has led a life devoid of harmful intent toward others. He lamented how certain groups persist in labeling him negatively, despite the lack of evidence supporting such ideas.

The tech mogul attributed part of the challenge to the legacy media, which he claimed perpetuates repeated falsehoods.

This practice, according to Musk, can influence perceptions, especially among audiences still relying heavily on traditional news sources.

Similarities drawn

In his advisory capacity, Musk has been instrumental in initiatives like the Department of Government Efficiency, which pushed through massive reorganization plans, including budget cuts and layoffs.

This has drawn scrutiny, particularly from Democrats opposed to the drastic measures.

Despite the criticism, Musk maintained a positive rapport with Trump. He expressed that their friendship is based on common understandings, with Musk noting they often see eye-to-eye on numerous issues.

Musk perceived the ongoing narratives against him as relentless and drew parallels to Trump's own experiences over decades, emphasizing the similar nature of targeted media campaigns against them.

Leaders offer support

Musk's claims of media distortion have been supported by various national and world leaders. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Anti-Defamation League publicly defended Musk, underscoring their belief in his integrity.

As his tenure as a White House special employee approaches its end on May 30, there remains an open invitation from Trump for Musk to continue his work even beyond this date. This extended offer highlights the president’s appreciation for Musk's contributions.

Musk’s commentary included a critical perspective on media tactics, insinuating that concerted efforts have been made to undermine him through character attacks. He illustrated this by suggesting that, if they could, some of his detractors might even take more severe actions against him up to and including pursuing his demise.

The tech billionaire concluded his remarks by reiterating the depth of his friendship with the president. Their shared viewpoints underscored Musk's claim of an enduring bond, with what he said was an estimated 80% agreement on critical topics.

Overall, Musk's statements put a spotlight on what he perceives as a broader issue of media manipulation and the challenges it presents to public figures working to maintain their reputations in the face of relentless scrutiny.