Voices from the Arab press: Trump and Musk, the arsonists

A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.
Antonetta Bechtelar · 8 days ago · 2 minutes read


Arsonists of the Zeitgeist: Trump, Musk, and the Corrosive Influence

Fiery Provocateurs Ignite Global Inferno

Once confined to the United States, former President Donald Trump and tech magnate Elon Musk are now spreading their polarizing rhetoric beyond borders, embroiling nations in controversies and fueling right-wing ideologies.

Vindictive Motivations: Reigniting Old Wounds

Both Trump and Musk exhibit personal grievances that have fueled their vindictive behavior. Trump harbors resentment towards the "elite" he believes was responsible for his impeachment, while Musk targets the Biden administration, blaming it for stifling his business ventures and aligning with ideologies he views as harmful to his family.

Colossal Egos: Defending against Criticism

Possessing formidable egos, Trump and Musk are not easily deterred by criticism. Instead, they retaliate against those who challenge their reputations. The media has painted Trump as a pathological liar and Musk as an erratic figure, leading to their subsequent frustration and outrage.

Undermining Liberalism: The Appeal of Right-Wing Ideologies

Their overarching ambition is to promote right-wing ideologies across the West. They support European far-right parties, seeing their triumph as a setback for leftist movements.

Converging and Diverging Agendas: Common and Distinct Goals

While Trump and Musk align on some issues, their focus diverges. Trump prioritizes American economic prosperity and immigration reform, while Musk positions himself as a political disrupter and cultural crusader.

Concern for the Future: The Potential for Negative Consequences

The relentless momentum of Trump and Musk raises concerns that they may inadvertently empower proponents of racism, hatred, and xenophobia. Their actions have the potential to fuel further divisions and undermine global harmony.

Dr. Mamdouh Al-Muhaini is a Middle Eastern political analyst.