Each age’s premier industrialist has had appalling politics.
Summary
Parallels between Henry Ford and Elon Musk illustrate their transformative roles in automaking alongside troubling political affiliations.
Ford's antisemitism and support for Nazi Germany mirror Musk’s current opposition to unions and endorsement of Germany's far-right AfD party, which is linked to neo-Nazism.
Musk's intervention in Germany’s election and promotion of far-right figures on X echoes Ford’s use of media to propagate hate.
Both industrialists are criticized for their social and political impact beyond their industries, with Musk’s actions raising alarm about democracy and labor rights.
Sure, but I think it’s more important what they are doing with their money and power than their own personal philosophy. I don’t care that Elon musk is a fascist. I care that he is a billionaire who is empowering fascists with his wealth.