NEW DELHI — A public clash between SpaceX founder Elon Musk and Silicon Valley investor Vinod Khosla unfolded on social media after Musk commented on the declining global share of white populations, triggering accusations of racial provocation and sharp personal exchanges.
The exchange began after Musk posted that the proportion of white people worldwide is decreasing. Khosla, a prominent venture capitalist, responded by accusing Musk of pushing what he described as a “WAGA,” or “white America great again,” agenda rather than the “MAGA” movement associated with former President Donald Trump.
Khosla escalated the dispute by encouraging non-white employees at Musk’s companies to leave and join firms in his investment portfolio.
“All non-whites in Tesla and SpaceX and all decent whites should quit and join our portfolio. Email us your LinkedIn!” Khosla wrote.
Musk responded angrily, calling Khosla “pompous” and citing his own family background in defense.
“You’ve also gone full r***rd. My partner, Shivon, is half Indian, and my eldest son with her is named in honour of the great Indian physicist Chandrasekhar,” Musk posted on social media platform X.
The dispute followed earlier controversy this month when Musk reacted with a “100” emoji to a post suggesting white men could face an existential threat if they became a minority, a response widely interpreted as endorsement.
Musk has repeatedly said his views on immigration are rooted in concerns about public safety, economic pressures, and social cohesion, not race. He has also publicly praised the role of immigrants, particularly Indians, in the growth of the U.S. technology and business sectors.
The Tesla chief has said the United States has “benefited immensely” from skilled Indian professionals, including engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs, noting their continued contributions across industries.
Musk has described the H-1B visa program as vital to the U.S. economy, while arguing that some companies have “gamed the system.” He has said the issue lies in misuse of the program rather than the program itself.
Responding to claims that immigrants take jobs from American workers, Musk has said his companies struggle to find highly skilled talent domestically and rely on global expertise to fill critical gaps. (Source: IANS)
