A fierce debate erupted on GB News after Nigel Farage praised Elon Musk as "an absolute hero figure" for young voters, claiming the tech billionaire would help Reform UK win over the youth vote.
The comments have sparked immediate pushback from critics, with political commentator Matthew Stadlen expressing serious concerns.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, the Reform UK leader lauded Musk's appeal to younger generations, suggesting the world's richest man would be a "huge help" in connecting with youth voters.
The row intensifies amid speculation of a potential major donation from Musk to Reform UK, with rumours suggesting it could reach $100m.
Speaking to GB News Journalist Duncan Barkes said: "Farage talks about Elon Musk as being inspirational to young people, because this guy is a cool young guy with the shades and with a leather jacket on, etc.
"That, I think, is the point he was trying to make. He relates to young people.
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"You can be successful as an entrepreneur and actually young people, a certain kind of young person will look at that and just think, I want to do that later in life."
However political commentator Matthew Stadlen fumed back: "All sorts of people influence young people, some in good ways, some in bad ways. On the question of reform in the Tories, you're absolutely right.
"Farage is a master, certainly a master tactician and arguably a master strategist. I mean, you could say that he was the strategic brains behind Brexit. Maybe it wouldn't have happened without Boris Johnson.
"I've always acknowledged that he is the biggest politician of our age since since Tony Blair."
Discussions about a potential Musk donation to Reform UK took place during a visit to Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where Farage was accompanied by the party's new Treasurer, former Tory donor Nick Candy.
Farage assured that any financial contribution from the billionaire would be "legal and above board."
The Reform UK leader revealed he hopes Musk will share the blueprint for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a body being established under Trump to reduce US government spending.
"I'm hoping he gives us the blueprint, and the blueprint is how to cut the administrative state," Farage said.
The potential collaboration extends beyond financial support, with Farage seeking to implement Musk's efficiency strategies in the UK political landscape.
Farage outlined Reform UK's message for young voters, emphasising a stance against state intervention.
"The message from us to young people is we want the state to leave us alone," he explained.
He specifically referenced Covid-19's impact on youth, stating: "The message to young people is your youth was messed up by government lockdowns."
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The comments have sparked immediate pushback from critics, with political commentator Matthew Stadlen expressing serious concerns.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, the Reform UK leader lauded Musk's appeal to younger generations, suggesting the world's richest man would be a "huge help" in connecting with youth voters.
The row intensifies amid speculation of a potential major donation from Musk to Reform UK, with rumours suggesting it could reach $100m.
Speaking to GB News Journalist Duncan Barkes said: "Farage talks about Elon Musk as being inspirational to young people, because this guy is a cool young guy with the shades and with a leather jacket on, etc.
"That, I think, is the point he was trying to make. He relates to young people.
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"You can be successful as an entrepreneur and actually young people, a certain kind of young person will look at that and just think, I want to do that later in life."
However political commentator Matthew Stadlen fumed back: "All sorts of people influence young people, some in good ways, some in bad ways. On the question of reform in the Tories, you're absolutely right.
"Farage is a master, certainly a master tactician and arguably a master strategist. I mean, you could say that he was the strategic brains behind Brexit. Maybe it wouldn't have happened without Boris Johnson.
"I've always acknowledged that he is the biggest politician of our age since since Tony Blair."
Discussions about a potential Musk donation to Reform UK took place during a visit to Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where Farage was accompanied by the party's new Treasurer, former Tory donor Nick Candy.
Farage assured that any financial contribution from the billionaire would be "legal and above board."
The Reform UK leader revealed he hopes Musk will share the blueprint for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a body being established under Trump to reduce US government spending.
"I'm hoping he gives us the blueprint, and the blueprint is how to cut the administrative state," Farage said.
The potential collaboration extends beyond financial support, with Farage seeking to implement Musk's efficiency strategies in the UK political landscape.
Farage outlined Reform UK's message for young voters, emphasising a stance against state intervention.
"The message from us to young people is we want the state to leave us alone," he explained.
He specifically referenced Covid-19's impact on youth, stating: "The message to young people is your youth was messed up by government lockdowns."
Find Out More...