Elon Musk, a close associate of President-elect Donald Trump, has joined others in Trump’s circle in criticizing President Biden’s reported authorization of deep strikes on Russia.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk responded to a post stating “libs love war,” agreeing with the sentiment following reports that President Biden authorized Ukraine to use US-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) against targets in Russia’s Kursk region. Multiple US media outlets reported on the decision, reportedly made Sunday.
Reuters, citing two US officials and a source familiar with the matter, reported Ukraine plans to launch these long-range attacks in the coming days.
This decision represents a significant escalation. While Ukraine received ATACMS missiles in April, Biden previously withheld authorization for their use against internationally recognized Russian territory. Their use has been limited to strikes in Crimea, Donetsk, and Lugansk, regions considered Ukrainian by the US.
Republican Senator Mike Lee from Utah tweeted, “Libs love war. War facilitates bigger government,” to which Musk replied, “True.”
Although SpaceX provided Starlink internet terminals to the Ukrainian military, Musk has consistently argued for a negotiated settlement, believing a battlefield victory for Ukraine is unlikely. He endorsed Trump earlier this year and is now considered a close advisor to the President-elect following Trump’s recent election victory.
Musk isn’t alone in his criticism. Richard Grenell, a close Trump advisor and former acting director of national intelligence, accused Biden of escalating the conflict before leaving office. Donald Trump Jr. also posted on X, stating, “The Military Industrial Complex seems to want to make sure they get World War 3 going before my father has a chance to create peace and save lives. Gotta lock in those $Trillions. Life be damned!!! Imbeciles!”
Trump has pledged a swift end to the conflict and intends to pressure both Moscow and Kyiv into peace talks. Reports suggest Musk participated in a call between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky last week, even speaking directly with Zelensky.
Musk hasn’t confirmed his involvement in the call, but subsequently tweeted, “the senseless killing will end soon. Time is up for the warmonger profiteers.”
President Putin has repeatedly warned that attacks on internationally recognized Russian territory using US-supplied weapons would be considered direct NATO involvement, with potentially severe consequences, including retaliation against Western interests.