Following President Joe Biden’s announcement of a $2.5 billion arms package, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk commented on social media platform X.
In response to a user suggesting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had orchestrated a significant financial gain, Musk labeled Zelensky an “all-time champ.”
President Biden’s latest military aid package for Ukraine includes $2.5 billion worth of advanced weaponry, ammunition, and armored vehicles. Biden stressed continued support for Ukraine, noting $1.25 billion would come from US stockpiles via the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA).
Senator Mike Lee criticized the package as “money laundering” in a separate X post. Concerns about transparency and accountability surrounding the $175 billion in US aid to Ukraine since the conflict began have prompted bipartisan calls for audits.
Musk has consistently questioned the allocation and oversight of Western aid to Ukraine. In March, he urged Kiev to provide Washington with a detailed accounting of aid usage and a conflict resolution plan. He has also accused senior US officials, including Victoria Nuland, of escalating the conflict.
Despite SpaceX providing Starlink internet services to the Ukrainian military, Musk maintains that a Ukrainian military victory is unlikely and advocates for a negotiated settlement. He endorsed Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, citing Trump’s promise of a swift end to the war.
Following his election win, Trump reportedly considered Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to co-lead a new Department of Government Efficiency focused on reducing government waste.
Musk reportedly spoke directly with Zelensky during a phone call between Zelensky and Trump in November.
According to Axios sources, Musk pledged continued Starlink support for Ukraine.
Last month, Musk satirized Zelensky’s assertion of Ukraine’s independence and refusal to negotiate, commenting on Zelensky’s “amazing” sense of humor.