BMW trolled after announcing it's 'no longer posting' on X: 'Your history isn’t too clean, is it?'

The luxury carmaker is trolled over its announcement and criticized for its historical ties to Nazi Germany.

German luxury car manufacturer BMW faced significant online backlash after its UK division announced it would "no longer post" on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Many users interpreted the move as a protest against the platform’s owner, Elon Musk.

BMW UK made the announcement on X, stating, “We’re no longer posting on X. Don’t worry though, our Customer Support team is still here if you need us. You can also see all the latest BMW news by following us on Facebook and Instagram at BMWUK.” The post did not clarify the reasoning behind the decision.

 

We’re no longer posting on X.

Don't worry though, our Customer Support team is still here if you need us.

You can also see all the latest BMW news by following us on Facebook and Instagram at BMWUK.#BMWUK

— BMW UK (@BMW_UK) January 22, 2025

 

The announcement sparked immediate criticism, with X users pointing out BMW’s historical ties to Nazi Germany during World War II. Activist Jack Posobiec posted a photo of Adolf Hitler touring a BMW facility, captioning it “This you?” Republican Senator Mike Lee from Utah called for a boycott of BMW, tweeting, “BMW = ‘Becoming More Woke.’ Don’t buy their cars.”

This you? https://t.co/jKgwcG1H7g pic.twitter.com/shl9cfpG8y

— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) January 23, 2025

BMW = “Becoming More Woke”

Don’t buy their cars https://t.co/lk3BnQNJSe

— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) January 23, 2025

One user sarcastically commented, “Historic event: this marks the first time a BMW has signaled before lane departure.”

BMW has announced they are leaving X.

This historic event marks the first time a BMW has signaled before lane departure.

— Stacy Is Right (@PatrioticPizzas) January 23, 2025

The controversy stems from accusations against Musk earlier in the week. Critics alleged Musk made a Nazi salute gesture during President Trump’s inauguration—a claim Musk vehemently denied. “Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired,” Musk wrote on X.

Frankly, they need better dirty tricks.

The “everyone is Hitler” attack is sooo tired 😴 https://t.co/9fIqS5mWA0

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 21, 2025

A BMW UK spokesperson clarified that the brand would remain active on X for customer support but did not confirm whether Musk’s behavior influenced the decision. “The social media presence of BMW Group brands is managed by each country/region to address their unique requirements,” the spokesperson said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Musk amidst the controversy. “Elon is a great friend of Israel. He visited after the October 7 massacre in which Hamas terrorists committed the worst atrocity against the Jewish people since the Holocaust,” Netanyahu said.

The situation highlights the ongoing tension between corporations, social media platforms, and public perception in the digital age.