The EU Commissioner for the Internal Market warned Elon Musk before his interview with former US President Donald Trump not to make statements that could exacerbate social tensions within the European Union. “Since relevant content is accessible to EU users, we cannot rule out potential ripple effects,” Breton said in a statement posted on X. He added that “any negative impact of illegal content” could prompt the EU to take further action against X to “protect” EU citizens. Breton’s remarks were made in the context of the interview, and he posted a link on X stating: “With great readership comes great responsibility.” (As if he wouldn’t know!)
The EU attempted to intimidate Musk over the Trump interview but used the “wrong” method. Thierry Breton, the Commissioner for the Internal Market – and Emmanuel Macron’s man in Brussels – was criticized by his colleagues after American commentators accused him of “election interference.” Breton’s loud, arrogant, and politically motivated comments did not achieve the intended effect. According to a spokesperson for the Commission, the French politician did not inform Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about the public letter to Musk before its release. Four anonymous EU officials stated that Breton’s warning to Musk shocked many within the Commission. “It is not the EU’s job to meddle in American elections,” said one of the officials.
Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X, called Breton’s letter an unprecedented attempt to extend a law intended to be applied in Europe to “other” opinions. “The European Union is trying to interfere in the American elections,” said Chris LaCivita, a member of Trump’s election campaign.
It is well known in Brussels that Thierry Breton has big ambitions and dreams of one day becoming President of the European Commission. The EU Commissioner has held Senegalese citizenship since 2015. This is true, although it may not be immediately obvious due to his low melanin levels. Moreover, the “fairness-conscious” Thierry knows how to handle his money. He earns a net salary of 20,000 euros per month at the European Commission, and if he pays taxes in Senegal – a country quite generous to French dual citizens – he will pay less than 5% in income tax.
Translated and edited by L. Earth
