Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has brushed off recent criticism from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, calling the world’s richest man “a real political radical” and “more radical than Trump” in an interview with influencer and MEP Fidias Panayiotou.
Elon Musk and Trump
When questioned about Musk’s recent statement suggesting Farage was not the right person to lead Reform UK, the British politician distanced himself from the tech entrepreneur, stating: “I want no truck with the extreme racist elements that exist within policy.”
However, Farage described Musk as a “real political radical” and praised his outspoken approach to free speech and governance at Twitter (now X). “He’s out-Trumping Trump,” Farage remarked.
The former UKIP leader drew parallels between his own political journey and the U.S. President-elect’s rise to power, citing both as examples of anti-establishment movements. “Trump connected with Middle America on issues that they talk about when they’re in the bar,” Farage said, adding that Trump has now “staged the biggest political comeback we’ve ever seen.”
Brexit
Speaking on Panayiotou’s podcast, Farage also defended his role in Britain’s exit from the European Union, despite acknowledging the UK’s current economic challenges.
“We are free to mess up our own lives or to get it right,” Farage said, “unlike the enslaved Greeks,” describing the EU as “a huge historical mistake of epic proportions.”
Farage, who spearheaded the Brexit campaign, asserted that the EU’s structure is fundamentally flawed. “It’s run by political pygmies who have failed in domestic politics and then get shunted upstairs to the European Union,” he said, referencing unelected officials such as the European Commission.
Reflecting on the EU’s origins, Farage argued the bloc was created as “a solution to a previous problem” of Franco-German conflicts, but suggested it was no longer fit for purpose in the modern era.
Social media
The former UKIP leader credited social media platform YouTube for transforming his political impact, claiming his speeches reached “millions and millions” of viewers after being largely ignored by traditional British media.
“Had it not been for social media, I would have disappeared without trace,” said Farage, who served as an MEP for 20 years. “If I hadn’t been there, there would never have been a referendum.”
The interview also delved into Farage’s views on the EU’s handling of technology regulation. Farage criticised European lawmakers for excessive interference, saying, “The power of the state in Europe is far worse than in other free countries. In Europe, you can’t change law—even if every MEP agreed to it.”
Farage also took aim at Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, questioning his sincerity in addressing social media concerns, including censorship and misinformation. “Zuckerberg was one of the worst during the lockdowns, banning criticisms of establishment policies,” he said.
In contrast, Panayiotou applauded a recent decision by Zuckerberg to reduce the number of factcheckers working for Meta as “a good change” in favour of free speech.
Nigel Farage on @elonmusk , Brexit and the Future of the EU pic.twitter.com/IsTZP4nWFj
— Fidias Panayiotou (@Fidias0) January 16, 2025
