Former Polish PM Donald Tusk’s March 6 comment on X triggered an outspoken rebuttal from Elon Musk, who defended Europe while announcing a 120‑million‑euro fine from the EU.
Tusk’s March 6 Post to European Allies
On March 6, Donald Tusk announced a statement on X addressed to “dear American friends.” He declared that Europe is their nearest ally, not a problem, and that they share common enemies—an arrangement that has held for approximately 80 years. “We must keep this as the only sensible strategy for our shared security,” he wrote, adding that anything else would mean a change of circumstances.
Musk’s Immediate Response on X
Same day, Elon Musk published a series of tweets about the European Union. He referenced Tusk’s post, writing “If you combine Donald Trump and Elon Musk, you get…” and following a comment stating, “I love Europe, but not the bureaucratic monster that is the European Union.”
Musk’s Past Calls for EU Dissolution
Earlier, Musk had said, “The European Union should be overthrown, and sovereignty returned to individual countries so that governments can better represent their citizens.” He later clarified that he was serious, not joking, and urged “Europeans to exit the EU to regain sovereignty.”
EU Imposes 120‑Million‑Euro Fine on X
This week, the European Commission fined X €120 million for violating EU digital market rules. The penalty was set to be three times higher, but even the reduced amount does not avert ongoing friction with the United States. Vice‑President J.D. Vance has warned Brussels not to penalize Musk’s platform and to avoid attacking American firms without justification.
EU Criticizes X’s Blue Verification Badge
The Commission’s criticism centers on the paid Blue Verification badge, labeling it an “illusion” that blurs the line between authentic and paid accounts, potentially spreading disinformation and misleading X users. The EU also cited a lack of transparency regarding advertising and a shortage of scientific access.
