What Elon Musk’s latest culture war ranting shows about his waning relevance
Elon Musk is losing the culture war — he just doesn’t know it yet
Musk’s one-man battle against “The Odyssey” is another symptom of his waning influence on the world outside the hothouse of X.
Elon Musk on April 28, 2026 at the U.S. District Court in Oakland, Calif.Godofredo A. Vásquez / AP Photo
May. 25, 2026, 6:51 AM EDT
By John DeVore
Elon Musk has been busy: SpaceX filed for a blockbuster IPO. On Monday, a U.S. jury dismissed his lawsuit against Sam Altman and OpenAI. And last Wednesday, he accompanied President Donald Trump, and an entourage of tech moguls, to China for an elaborate state visit.
And yet, the richest man in the world spent much of the past week heckling a movie he hasn’t seen yet, directed by one of Hollywood’s most successful and celebrated directors, and starring a small army of A-list actors, including Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Tom Holland, and Jonathan Bernthal. He seemed especially angry that a woman of color was cast in two roles.
In a just-dropped Time Magazine interview, director Christopher Nolan confirmed that Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o is playing two iconic roles in his $250 million adaptation of the Greek myth “The Odyssey.” In the ancient poet Homer’s epic “The Iliad,” which precedes “The Odyssey,” the Trojan prince Paris abducts Helen, wife of the Spartan king Menelaus, sparking a 10-year war with Greece that ends in tragedy. Nyong’o will portray Helen, “the face that launched 1,000 ships,” as well as Helen’s sister, the murderous Clytemnestra.
Musk quickly took to X to voice his displeasure with this casting choice: “Chris Nolan desecrated the Odyssey so that he would be eligible for an Academy Award.” Never mind the fact that the Academy’s eligibility criteria have nothing to do with casting.
Musk also reposted conservative commentator Matt Walsh, who wrote, “Not one person on the planet actually thinks that Lupita Nyong’o is ‘the most beautiful woman in the world.’ But Christopher Nolan knows that he would be called a racist if he gave the ‘most beautiful woman’ role to a white woman. Nolan is technically talented but a coward.”
Nolan’s casting of Zendaya as Athena, the goddess of wisdom, and rap superstar Travis Scott as a bard has also angered Musk toadies and assorted online bots. The trans actor Elliot Page was also cast, causing some hysterical right-wingers to (apparently incorrectly) suggest the actor is playing the great Greek warrior Achilles, slain by the Trojans, and who Odysseus briefly meets in the afterlife. Musk’s minions are so desperate for engagement that they have to work themselves into a lather over mere speculation.
All of this points to a clear conclusion. Elon Musk is losing the culture war; he just doesn’t know it yet. His whiny, white grievance and anti-DEI posts are becoming predictable. Boring. Viral filler. He has an enormous platform, but his messages are increasingly small-minded.
Musk’s one-man battle against “The Odyssey” is another symptom of his waning influence on the world outside the hothouse of X; his Cybertrucks aren’t selling, Grok, his AI product, is lagging behind rivals, and the man can’t decide whether Trump is his bestie.
Another sign that he’s losing his grip: Musk took a break from insulting Nolan and Nyong’o to petulantly criticize the series finale of Amazon Prime’s hit superhero parody “The Boys,” which he called “pathetic” for killing off the show’s MAGA-coded villain, Homelander, but not before he murders a parody of the billionaire. Musk admitted he hadn’t actually watched the show, though. He’s just sitting in one of his mansions angrily scrolling, and getting bent out of shape.
At least “The Boys” showrunner seems to be to having fun sparring with an increasingly humorless Musk on X.
Meanwhile, the two people Musk is targeting in his crusade against “The Odyssey” also seem to be taking his harassment in stride. Nolan hasn’t commented. But Nyong’o did chime in. “Our cast is representative of the world,” she said. “I’m not spending my time thinking of a defense. The criticism will exist whether I engage with it or not.”
Musk frequently posts bigoted opinions to X, which is his prerogative, I suppose. He owns that dumpster fire. But his current attempts to shame Nolan and suggest that the director, whose action and sci-fi movies are beloved by dudes, is indulging in nontraditional casting to win another Oscar feel transparently pitiful.
When it was first rumored that Nyong’o had been cast as Helen back in January of this year, furious users on X called it an “insult” to Homer. Musk later posted that “Chris Nolan has lost his integrity.” This underlying thesis is not only racist, but it’s also so ignorant that I wonder if Musk can tell the difference anymore between what is real and what is make-believe.
I’m not an expert in ancient history, but I’m pretty sure “The Odyssey” is fictional. There is no such thing as a man-eating Cyclops. And like all classic literature, Homer’s works are open to interpretation.
Another of the arguments against Nyong’o’s casting is that it isn’t historically accurate, never mind that both African and Middle Eastern countries border the Mediterranean. These critics seem to think the ancient Greeks really looked like ripped Scottish hunk Gerard Butler in director Zack Snyder’s cartoonish Spartan action film “300.”
You want realism? Helen of Troy’s father is Zeus, the god of thunder. Zeus, who transformed into animals and seduced mortals. What are we doing here?
Despite Musk’s musings, “The Odyssey” is already the most buzzed-about movie of the summer. The 70mm IMAX screenings are a hot ticket: opening weekend sold out within minutes of going on sale 12 months in advance. This isn’t surprising. Nolan remains one of the entertainment industry’s most dependable and respected directors of blockbusters, from 2023’s Oscar-winning historical phenomenon “Oppenheimer” to his formidable Batman trilogy to 2014’s emotional space opera “Interstellar.”
He’s also a director who has never worn his personal politics on his sleeve, although many of his movies have what could fairly be called conservative vibes. In 2012’s “The Dark Knight Rises,” for example, a billionaire puts down a populist revolution led by a cross between Darth Vader and a communist guerrilla.
Everything I know about “The Odyssey” I learned in high school. I guess I was lucky enough to have an English teacher who knew this epic was full of action and romance, so he always emphasized the good parts. But while Musk might not want to admit it, at its core, “The Odyssey” is really an anti-war story about the ultimate wife guy on an endless, dangerous road trip back home. Through his hero’s journey, Homer teaches that smarts and grit matter more than brute strength. “The Odyssey” is a 2600-year-old message passed from storyteller to storyteller about what really matters in life. It’s a message a man like Musk could learn from — if he’d only stop whining long enough to listen.
In India, Rubio finds himself confronted over anti-Indian racism
The secretary of state was asked about bigoted rhetoric from Americans, which he called “dumb comments” from “stupid people.”
Racism and rank xenophobia tend to be poison pills as far as international relations are concerned.
The Trump administration — despite its chest-beating and appearing to relish embodying the “ugly American” stereotype — is learning this firsthand in its dealings with India.
Indian Americans helped elect Donald Trump in 2024. Nonetheless, some in the MAGA movement have flaunted anti-Indian bigotry, including through racist attacks on Trump-aligned figures such as FBI Director Kash Patel, Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and cybersecurity official Madhu Gottumukkala.
Trump himself faced condemnation from Indian officials recently after he reposted a racist social media post that grouped India with “hellhole” countries.
Those comments have added tension to America’s relationship with India, on top of the tension Trump’s tariffs and war with Iran have already created. That helps explain why multiple outlets framed Rubio’s visit to India as an effort to “mend” or “repair” strained ties.
In a rather awkward exchange during the visit, a journalist pressed the secretary of state to talk about racist comments made by Americans toward India. Rubio responded by saying he takes it “very seriously,” before attributing such remarks to “stupid people.”
“Look, I’m sure that there are people that have made comments online and other places because every country in the world has stupid people,” he said. “I’m sure there are stupid people here; there are stupid people in the United States that make dumb comments — all the time.”
Much like Trump ally Laura Loomer, who backed off some of her bigoted rhetoric about India when she faced questioning during a March visit to New Delhi, Rubio discovered that some members of the foreign press are unafraid of calling out the cloud of bigotry hanging over the MAGA movement.
That said, minimizing racist and xenophobic remarks as “dumb” or “stupid” tends to make it easy for people in powerful positions, like Rubio, to avoid talking about how such bigotry has the potential to fuel discrimination and even violence. Last week’s shooting at a San Diego mosque, by two teenagers who appear to have been inspired by white supremacist rhetoric, offers a prime example of this threat.
Just because racism from Trump and members of his movement is “stupid” doesn’t preclude it from being dangerous — and worth taking seriously.
THE STRIKE THAT SHOOK TEHRAN: INSIDE THE ESCALATING FEARS OF A WIDER MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT
The skies above Tehran erupted into flames as reports of a devastating aerial assault sent shockwaves across the Middle East and triggered a wave of global alarm. What initially appeared to be another night of rising regional tension quickly transformed into a scenario that analysts say could mark one of the most dangerous escalations involving Iran in recent years.
Images and dramatic footage circulating online appeared to show massive explosions tearing through sections of the Iranian capital while military aircraft roared overhead. Thick black smoke climbed into the skyline as panic spread rapidly across social media platforms, fueling fears of a direct confrontation capable of reshaping the region overnight.
Although many of the circulating visuals and videos are linked to military simulation content and remain unverified, the reaction surrounding the reports highlights just how fragile the geopolitical climate around Iran has become.
A NIGHT OF FIRE AND CONFUSION OVER TEHRAN
According to rapidly spreading online claims, heavily armed attack aircraft allegedly launched coordinated strikes against strategic targets inside or near Tehran, igniting widespread speculation about a potential military escalation involving the United States and Iran.
Witnesses quoted across social platforms described hearing multiple explosions followed by air raid sirens and heavy anti-aircraft activity. Several videos appearing online showed fiery blasts lighting up urban areas while crowds scrambled through smoke-filled streets.
As the footage spread globally, confusion intensified over what was real, what was simulated, and what may have been intentionally amplified through online disinformation networks.
Military analysts quickly noted that some viral clips resembled highly realistic combat simulations often created using advanced military gaming platforms such as ARMA 3, a technology increasingly used online to produce cinematic war content capable of misleading audiences during real-world crises.
Still, the intensity of the reaction exposed deep anxieties surrounding the possibility of a direct military confrontation involving Tehran.
WHY THE A-10 WARTHOG REMAINS A SYMBOL OF FEAR
Central to many of the circulating narratives was the A-10 Thunderbolt II, better known globally as the “Warthog,” one of the most iconic close-air-support aircraft ever developed by the United States military.
Known for its devastating firepower, low-altitude attack capability, and massive GAU-8 Avenger rotary cannon, the A-10 has long been associated with overwhelming battlefield destruction. Its unmistakable reputation has made it a powerful symbol in military media, simulations, and online war narratives.
In recent years, realistic military simulations featuring the aircraft have gained enormous popularity online, often blurring the line between fictional combat scenarios and actual geopolitical events.
The latest viral claims involving Tehran demonstrate how quickly highly cinematic military content can trigger international speculation, especially during periods of heightened tension involving Iran and Western powers.
THE REGION REMAINS ON EDGE
Even though no verified evidence currently confirms a direct American airstrike on Tehran, the rapid spread of such reports reflects the dangerous atmosphere dominating the Middle East today.
Iran remains deeply entangled in multiple regional flashpoints involving proxy conflicts, maritime tensions, missile development, cyber operations, and disputes with Israel and Western governments. Military analysts warn that even false reports or misinterpreted footage can increase instability by influencing public perception, political rhetoric, and military readiness.
In the hours following the viral claims, observers reported increased online activity connected to Iranian state media, regional military monitoring channels, and international intelligence communities attempting to assess the authenticity of the circulating footage.
Security experts caution that information warfare has become a major component of modern geopolitical conflict, where perception can often escalate tensions nearly as rapidly as actual military action.
INFORMATION WARFARE IS NOW PART OF THE BATTLEFIELD
The incident surrounding the viral Tehran strike narrative demonstrates a growing global challenge: distinguishing reality from sophisticated digital warfare content.
Modern simulation platforms now produce visuals so realistic that millions of viewers struggle to separate fictional military scenarios from actual combat footage. During periods of geopolitical instability, these videos can spread across social media at extraordinary speed, amplifying fear and confusion before official verification becomes available.
Experts warn that viral military misinformation can influence markets, trigger diplomatic reactions, and even impact military calculations in real time.
The Tehran strike narrative spread rapidly because it tapped directly into existing global fears surrounding Iran, regional instability, and the possibility of large-scale escalation in the Middle East.
GLOBAL MARKETS AND GOVERNMENTS WATCH CLOSELY
As the claims gained traction online, energy markets and geopolitical analysts closely monitored developments for signs of possible escalation.
Any genuine military confrontation involving Tehran could have enormous consequences for global oil supply routes, shipping corridors, and regional security alliances. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically critical maritime chokepoints, and instability involving Iran often causes immediate volatility in energy markets.
International governments responded cautiously, emphasizing the importance of verification before drawing conclusions about the circulating reports.
Still, intelligence agencies around the world continued reviewing available footage and monitoring regional communications channels amid concern that even fabricated narratives could inflame tensions.
A DIGITAL ERA WHERE FICTION CAN TRIGGER REAL FEAR
The viral reaction to the alleged strike on Tehran highlights how modern conflict now unfolds across both physical and digital battlefields simultaneously.
In previous decades, military escalation depended largely on confirmed troop movements, official announcements, or verified battlefield activity. Today, a single realistic video clip or dramatic headline can dominate global attention within minutes.
For audiences worldwide, distinguishing between verified reporting, simulation content, propaganda, and misinformation has become increasingly difficult.
The Tehran strike story serves as another reminder that in the age of hyper-realistic digital media, perception itself can become a geopolitical force.
THE WORLD REMAINS FIXED ON IRAN
Whether the circulating reports prove entirely fictional, partially accurate, or connected to broader regional tensions, one reality remains undeniable: the Middle East continues operating under extraordinary pressure.
Iran’s strategic importance, combined with ongoing proxy conflicts and fragile international relationships, means that even rumors of military escalation immediately attract global scrutiny.
For now, officials continue urging caution while analysts attempt to separate fact from speculation.
But the explosive reaction surrounding the Tehran strike narrative has already demonstrated how quickly fear, uncertainty, and geopolitical tension can spread in a world where information moves faster than verification.
And in today’s Middle East, sometimes the perception of war can become almost as dangerous as war itself.
