Elon Musk has always been a polarizing figure, but his recent actions on social media have sparked intense controversy. Recently, Musk deleted a post on his platform X in which he made a statement about the safety of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in the aftermath of an alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

Musk, who boasts nearly 200 million followers on X, a platform he acquired for a whopping $44 billion in 2022, has been increasingly vocal about his conservative views and even publicly endorsed Trump for president. Despite facing backlash in the past for controversial posts, Musk has not shied away from making provocative statements.

One of Musk’s recent posts involved a joke about Taylor Swift and an endorsement she made for Kamala Harris. The post was met with criticism, but Musk has been known to stand by his comments, no matter how contentious they may be.

After receiving backlash for his remarks on the alleged Trump assassination attempt, Musk reflected on his actions, admitting that not everything said in private gatherings translates well to a public platform like X. Musk’s posts have faced criticism from both users and officials, with calls for him to show more responsibility in his online presence.

Musk’s history of controversial posts extends beyond political figures, as he has also been involved in feuds with world leaders and politicians. Some of his actions have led to bans in certain countries, including Brazil, where his platform X is currently prohibited due to a dispute over free speech.

Despite the criticism, Musk remains adamant about the importance of free speech on social media platforms. He believes that a platform like X should prioritize trust and inclusivity to ensure the progress of civilization.

Sarah Kreps, director of Cornell University’s Tech Policy Institute, commented on Musk’s approach to free speech, noting his tendency to push boundaries with impulsive comments on various political topics.

The controversies surrounding Musk’s social media presence continue to raise questions about the role of public figures in online discourse and the responsibility that comes with having a large platform.

This story was contributed by Associated Press Writer Chris Megerian from Washington.