Russia Offers Asylum to Elon Musk Amidst Growing Dispute with Trump. A Russian parliamentarian stated that Musk could be granted political asylum if necessary.
Elon Musk: Amidst rising tensions between Donald Trump and Elon Musk in the United States, Russia has offered Musk asylum. Dmitry Novikov, the First Deputy Chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the Russian parliament (Duma), stated that Russia could grant Musk political asylum if he desired. This statement emerged from an interview with the Russian state news agency TASS.
Novikov said, "Musk's case is a bit different. He probably won't need political asylum, but if ever needed, Russia could consider offering him refuge."
Controversy Surrounding Elon Musk in the United States
This statement comes at a time when the political controversy surrounding Elon Musk in the United States is intensifying. Steve Bannon, an ally of former President Donald Trump, labeled Musk an "illegal alien," demanding not only his deportation but also the seizure of his company, SpaceX.
Bannon's reaction followed Musk's statement threatening to shut down his Dragon spacecraft, considered a crucial link between NASA and the International Space Station. This threat has heightened national security concerns in the United States.
Kremlin Clarification
In a statement from Russia, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that this is an internal American matter and Russia will not interfere. However, Russia's history shows it has previously granted asylum to several critics of Western countries, including names like Edward Snowden, who leaked NSA data, and British blogger Graham Phillips.
Strained Relationship Between Trump and Musk
Trump and Musk once enjoyed a positive relationship, but recent events have soured it. Musk opposed Trump's spending bill, leading to a sharp attack from Trump, who claimed Musk had "lost his mind." Trump also hinted at reviewing government contracts with Musk's SpaceX.
Trump later softened his statement, saying, "I wish Musk well." Musk also retracted his threat to shut down the NASA mission. However, the ongoing clash between the two has heated up Washington's political landscape.
