During Donald Trump’s first term, governments worldwide became accustomed to waking up to his often provocative social media posts. Foreign diplomats could never quite predict what would come next—what policy would be challenged, or which world leader would be insulted. Four years later, with Trump set to return to power, the anxiety is rising once again.
While many of Trump’s campaign promises didn’t materialize—such as leaving NATO or prosecuting Hilary Clinton—his online influence remains potent. But as he embarks on another political journey, the question arises: can foreign ministers maintain the same level of patience with him this time?
Recently, Trump used his Truth Social platform to criticize the UK government’s decision to increase taxes on oil and gas companies operating in the North Sea, which funds renewable energy initiatives. His response to a report about a US oil company pulling out of the region was blunt: “The U.K. is making a very big mistake. Open up the North Sea. Get rid of Windmills!” This was interpreted as either his usual defense of US businesses or a sign of a more proactive approach to influencing the domestic policies of allied nations.
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However, Trump is no longer the only major influencer making waves. Elon Musk, an even more vocal figure, has ramped up his criticisms of the British government. Using his platform, X (formerly Twitter), Musk has targeted Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on several issues, including his handling of child grooming scandals and the UK’s economic management. Musk has even accused Starmer of neglecting his duty as the director of public prosecutions.
Musk’s aggressive stance hasn’t been limited to the UK. He has attacked German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, calling the latter an “insufferable tool.” His tendency to comment on global politics, however, has put UK politicians in a difficult position. The Conservative Party, particularly, has struggled to navigate the billionaire’s interventions. While they have echoed Musk’s concerns on issues like child abuse investigations, they have drawn the line at his support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson, a divisive figure.
The Labour Party, on the other hand, seems reluctant to confront Musk, possibly fearing the billionaire’s future influence on UK political donations. Health Secretary Wes Streeting responded to Musk’s remarks about child grooming scandals, calling them “misjudged” but encouraged Musk to collaborate with the UK government on online child abuse prevention.
As social media platforms become increasingly influential in shaping global diplomacy, the challenge for politicians worldwide is to determine which of these outspoken interventions warrant a response. In the UK, officials are hopeful that the arrival of Lord Mandelson as the British ambassador will help stem the flow of these contentious interventions. However, with the re-emergence of social media diplomacy under Trump and Musk, the UK and other countries will have to navigate a volatile landscape.
