Secret Service Aware of Elon Musk’s Post About Harris and Biden

Photo: AP

The US Secret Service has acknowledged its awareness of a social media post by Elon Musk, in which the tech billionaire remarked that "no one is even trying" to assassinate President Joe Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris. Musk has since deleted the post, asserting that it was meant as a joke.

Musk's comment appeared on X, formerly known as Twitter, shortly after a suspected assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at his golf course in Florida on Sunday. Musk, a prominent supporter of Trump, is reportedly considered for a role in a proposed “government efficiency commission” should Trump secure a second term.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

The post, which included a raised eyebrow emoji, drew significant backlash on social media, with critics accusing Musk of potentially inciting violence against the President and Vice President. The White House condemned the post, describing it as "irresponsible" and emphasizing that "violence should not be condoned, never encouraged or joked about." The statement underscored that political violence, or any form of violence, should have no place in the country.

When contacted by the BBC, the US Secret Service responded with a brief statement, saying only that it was "aware" of the post. The agency noted its standard practice of not commenting on matters involving protective intelligence but confirmed that it investigates all threats related to its protectees.

Following the backlash, Musk removed the post and commented that his intention was misunderstood. He tweeted, “One lesson I’ve learned is that just because I say something to a group and they laugh doesn’t mean it’s going to be all that hilarious as a post on X.” He added, “Turns out that jokes are way less funny if people don’t know the context and the delivery is in plain text.”

Musk, who has been vocally critical of President Biden and Vice President Harris, formally endorsed Trump following a separate assassination attempt against the former president. On July 13, during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump was shot and injured, and an attendee was killed. Musk’s recent social media activity has reflected his support for Trump and criticism of the current administration.