Elon Musk has recently been listed on Wikipedia under the category of “Libertarian authoritarianism,” sparking backlash from the tech mogul and his supporters.
The mention was highlighted by the popular right-wing account Libs of TikTok on X (formerly Twitter), drawing attention to the controversial classification.
WTF. Wikipedia lists Elon Musk on their page for "Authoritarianism"
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) February 17, 2025
Stop funding WOKEPEDIA pic.twitter.com/3QCOLrx54n
According to Wikipedia, libertarian authoritarianism is a political ideology that merges libertarianism with authoritarian tendencies, where adherents believe in the abolition of democratic states, arguing that such governments infringe upon individual freedoms. The entry references figures like Musk, alongside others such as Peter Thiel and Javier Milei, as contemporary proponents of this ideology.
The term libertarian authoritarianism was first elaborated in several academic works, including the 1996 British Journal of Sociology, and later expanded upon by political scientist James Tilley. In the early 2020s, publications like Jacobin and New Statesman described libertarian authoritarians as those who reject democratic governance, viewing it as invasive and harmful.
This characterization has stirred debate, especially following Musk’s involvement in government initiatives, such as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which he helped establish under President Trump’s administration. DOGE’s mission to reduce federal spending, including cutting diversity and inclusion programs, has drawn both praise and legal concerns.
In response to the Wikipedia listing, Musk took to X, calling for a boycott of Wikipedia, urging his followers to “Defund Wokipedia!”
Defund Wokipedia!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 17, 2025
Musk also shared a South Park meme to further express his displeasure.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 17, 2025
This marks the continuation of Musk's ongoing feud with Wikipedia. Last month, Musk called for a boycott of donations to the site. Jimmy Wales, Wikipedia’s founder, responded by defending the platform’s editorial integrity and dismissing Musk’s claims of bias.
In a post on X, Wales stated that Wikipedia is not for sale and suggested that Musk’s campaign could ironically result in increased donations from those who value truth. Wales also invited Musk to encourage thoughtful intellectual engagement with Wikipedia’s content, rather than fostering division.
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