Farage rejects Musk’s control despite welcoming his money

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Despite maintaining his admiration for Elon Musk, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has affirmed that his populist party will continue its trajectory regardless of potential financial support from the world’s wealthiest individual.

A recent controversy involving imprisoned English activist Tommy Robinson led to tensions between the two figures, with Musk publicly calling for Farage’s removal from the party leadership position over the weekend. This comes at a time when Reform UK has been experiencing substantial growth in both polls and membership following Farage’s return.

This morning, @elonmusk told @Nigel_Farage he’s not dumb and knows about Tommy Robinson’s contempt case.

Maybe Musk sees what many of us already know that Farage acts like controlled opposition. The real question is why Tommy broke contempt in the first place. Could it be to… pic.twitter.com/DbHQBdWmFB

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— Danny Roscoe (@DANNYUNFILTERED) January 5, 2025

Farage has consistently distanced himself from Robinson, who is currently serving time after admitting to contempt of court regarding alleged defamatory statements about a refugee child. The case has drawn attention from Musk and others who contend that Robinson’s legal troubles stem from his activism concerning Muslim grooming gangs that victimized numerous young British girls.

In conversation with The Telegraph, Farage maintained his positive view of Musk, stating: “Whatever he might have said about me in the last 24 hours doesn’t change my view.” He praised Musk’s acquisition of Twitter and commitment to free speech, calling him a “hero.”

While expressing openness to potential donations from Musk, Farage emphasized that any financial support requiring acceptance of Robinson would be rejected. “I’m not giving up principles. I do not allow former BNP (British National Party) activists into this party. That’s a golden rule,” he declared.

Other Reform party figures have aligned with this position, including MP Rupert Lowe, whom Musk suggested as a potential replacement for Farage. Lowe acknowledged Robinson’s role in exposing grooming gangs but maintained he wasn’t suitable for Reform.

MP Lee Anderson suggested that the controversy might be media-manufactured to detract from the party’s rising popularity, questioning whether Robinson even sought party membership.

Although Musk hasn’t retracted his leadership challenge, he has since shared several of Farage’s posts. Tim Montgomerie, Conservative Home founder, interpreted these reposts as possible damage control from Musk’s team, suggesting the tech mogul may have been hasty in calling for Farage’s removal.

‘He’s gone from being one of our most fervent supporters to thinking I’m just not up to the job… Who knows, maybe we’ll make up!’@Nigel_Farage breaks his silence on his recent feud with Elon Musk over his position as leader of Reform UK, and Tommy Robinson. pic.twitter.com/V5UOiXcLFV

— GB News (@GBNEWS) January 7, 2025

Musk’s criticism of Farage emerged amid his social media campaign highlighting British authorities’ failures to protect vulnerable girls, an issue Farage has long championed despite facing accusations of racism.

This focus on the grooming scandal has temporarily overshadowed tensions between Musk and MAGA supporters regarding H1-B visas, following reports that his companies hired foreign workers after American layoffs.

Despite his anti-establishment reputation, Musk’s immigration stance aligns more closely with Britain’s Conservative Party than Farage’s position. This connection is exemplified by Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, recently promoted by Musk, who took credit for removing work visa limits that contributed to record-high immigration levels approaching one million in the previous year.