In a moment that has quickly gone viral and stirred significant debate, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) delivered a blunt and highly controversial statement during a public forum this week, declaring:
“Elon ain’t a genius, he an idiot.”
The comment, which appeared to be off-the-cuff during a roundtable on tech accountability and billionaire influence in politics, has since ignited fierce reactions from both supporters and critics, making waves in Washington and Silicon Valley alike.
Aimed at More Than Just One Man?
Though the remark was directed at Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), the broader context was a critique of tech leaders and their expanding influence in sectors traditionally overseen by public institutions.
“We’re handing over national priorities—transportation, infrastructure, communication, even space policy—to billionaires who are unregulated, unelected, and often unaccountable,” Crockett said earlier in the discussion.
She went on to question Musk’s business practices, public behavior, and the government’s increasing reliance on his companies, calling it “deeply problematic.”
Social Media Explodes
Musk’s loyal fanbase on X (formerly Twitter) quickly came to his defense, calling the statement “ignorant,” “unprofessional,” and “politically motivated.” Hashtags such as #ElonGenius and #CrockettClownShow trended for hours.
On the other side, Crockett’s supporters praised her for “calling out tech elitism” and “saying what many in Congress are afraid to say out loud.”
Elon Musk’s Response
In typical Musk fashion, the billionaire responded with a sarcastic meme posted to his platform, showing a rocket labeled “IQ” flying over a caricature of Capitol Hill.
He added the caption:
“I’ve been called worse. Still building rockets, cars, and AI. Good luck with your committee meetings.”
Expert Opinions: Genius or Reckless?
Political analysts and tech commentators remain divided. Some view Musk as a brilliant innovator whose influence reflects the failures of slow-moving public systems. Others argue his unpredictable leadership style and combative public persona make him a risky figure to rely on for matters of public interest.
“Whether or not you agree with her wording, Crockett tapped into a growing anxiety: that one man shouldn’t have this much power,” said Dr. Elaine Morris, a professor of political ethics at NYU.
What’s Next?
Crockett has not walked back her statement, and sources close to her office suggest she intends to “double down on holding tech billionaires accountable.” Meanwhile, Musk continues to expand his portfolio, with upcoming projects in AI regulation, Mars colonization, and even a rumored plan for building “the first private high-speed rail.”
As the line between technology and governance continues to blur, one thing is clear: the battle between political authority and private innovation is only just beginning—and the tone is getting sharper
