Musk Threatens Lawsuit After Bowman’s ‘Nazi’ Allegation/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Elon Musk is threatening legal action after former Rep. Jamaal Bowman labeled him a “Nazi” and “thief” during a CNN roundtable. Musk said he’s “had enough” and that a “lawsuit [is] inbound” following Bowman’s remarks. The controversy reignites debate over political rhetoric and media responsibility.
Musk vs. Bowman: Quick Looks
- Elon Musk vows to sue after CNN segment
- Ex-Rep. Jamaal Bowman called Musk a “Nazi” and “thief”
- Musk: “Had enough. Lawsuit inbound.”
- Bowman lost his 2024 primary to centrist George Latimer
- Bowman previously censured for pulling Capitol fire alarm
- CNN accused of airing unchallenged, defamatory claims
- Support for Musk’s legal threat comes from GOP lawmakers
- Bowman blamed AIPAC for primary defeat, citing “brainwashing”
Musk Threatens Lawsuit After Bowman’s ‘Nazi’ Allegation
Deep Look
Musk Signals Legal Action After Jamaal Bowman’s Explosive CNN Comments
Tech mogul Elon Musk is threatening to sue after former Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman made incendiary remarks during a televised CNN roundtable, calling the Tesla and SpaceX CEO a “Nazi,” a “thief,” and “incompetent.”
“I’ve had enough. Lawsuit inbound,” Musk wrote in a Friday post on X (formerly Twitter), responding to a clip of Bowman’s appearance.
The ex-congressman’s statements were made during a panel discussion in which he slammed Musk’s business record and questioned his fitness for his role as a senior adviser to President Donald Trump.
Bowman’s Broadside
Bowman, a former New York lawmaker and member of the progressive “Squad,” declared on air:
“He’s incompetent. He’s a thief. He’s a Nazi. And people don’t trust him.”
He cited mass layoffs at Musk-led companies and court challenges over alleged labor violations, claiming these were signs of executive failure.
Bowman also repeated accusations circulated by left-wing media outlets that Musk performed a “Nazi salute” at Trump’s inauguration—claims that Musk and his family strongly deny.
Musk’s mother, Maye Musk, has urged legal action against CNN and other outlets for promoting what she calls a “false and defamatory” narrative.
Political Fallout
Bowman, defeated in the July 2024 Democratic primary by moderate George Latimer, has remained vocal post-office. His loss was widely attributed to pro-Israel groups like AIPAC, which he accused of “brainwashing” voters. Bowman had controversially referred to Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide,” drawing bipartisan criticism.
The House previously censured Bowman for pulling a Capitol fire alarm in what many said was an effort to disrupt a government shutdown vote.
Legal and Political Reactions
Musk’s threat of litigation drew immediate reactions from conservatives.
Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) posted:
“Sue him! Defamation against conservatives can’t go unaddressed or it will never end.”
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) echoed that sentiment, while conservative journalist Andy Ngo weighed in, warning CNN:
“Accusing people of crimes is not protected opinion… CNN is putting itself at risk of liability.”
Ngo also noted that Bowman’s allegations could expose the network to defamation lawsuits if left unchallenged on air.
CNN, Musk, and the Broader Culture War
This is the latest flare-up in ongoing political battles involving Musk, who has emerged as a central figure in Trump’s second-term administration. His role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has made him a lightning rod for criticism from progressives.
Last week, Musk faced renewed scrutiny over rumors that he would be briefed on classified China war plans, which both Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied. Still, the controversy reignited debate over Musk’s dual role as government adviser and corporate CEO.
Musk has also supported tougher penalties for vandalism against Tesla property, applauding the DOJ for recent arson-related arrests. He even backed Trump’s suggestion that convicted Tesla saboteurs serve their sentences in El Salvador’s high-security prisons.
For now, Musk has not publicly confirmed whether legal papers have been filed. But his warning indicates he’s prepared to escalate the fight beyond social media.
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