Grapevine

Elon Musk’s wars: Brazil to Australia, UK to US, the X owner’s many battles

The billionaire has taken on multiple governments, claiming he’s fighting for free speech. But often, his business interests and political views are in play too.

Throughout history, the world’s richest people — almost all men — have often operated from the shadows, taking on governments they don’t like quietly.

Not the world’s current richest man.

In recent months, Elon Musk has taken on government after government, mostly left or liberal administrations, in public online wars centred around his claim that they are curbing free speech. But often, the spats have also come amid attempts by governments to regulate social media — where Musk, the owner of X, has a direct business interest as well.

From Brazil to Australia, France to the United Kingdom, and of course the United States, here’s a look at the battles Musk has stirred, and how they’ve played out for him and his companies.