Elon Musk's "Parasite Class" Comment Sparks Outrage Over Federal Aid Recipients

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has faced intense backlash after sharing a social media post that labeled Americans who receive federal benefits, including those who have worked all their lives and now draw Social Security, as the "parasite class."

On February 12, 2025, at 10:35 p.m. ET, Musk reposted a meme featuring actor Sydney Sweeney with the caption: "Watching Trump slash federal programs knowing it doesn't affect you because you're not a member of the Parasite Class." Musk added his own commentary above the image, writing "Why 90% of America loves @DOGE" with a laughing emoji, referring to the Department of Government Efficiency that he heads.

The post quickly spread across multiple social media platforms and drew widespread condemnation.

Rep. Austin Scott (R-Georgia) said, "Referring to Americans who may need government assistance as ‘parasites’ is unacceptable in any circumstance.”

Critics described Musk's action as "beyond disgusting," with one social media user writing: "The richest man in the world rejoicing at cutting off necessary support to the 'parasite class'. He's saying that the poor, the disabled, the mentally ill, the elderly are subhuman compared to him."

The controversy hit particularly close to home for federal workers facing job cuts. Kristin Jenn, a fired federal worker in Austin, said: "I had to apply for unemployment, and on the very same day I did that, Elon Musk tweeted a meme calling the 10% of the poorest Americans members of the parasite class."

This incident represents part of a broader pattern of Musk's criticism of federal social programs. Musk has previously attacked Social Security, calling it a "Ponzi scheme" and reposting a meme calling people who receive federal benefits "the Parasite Class."

Critics were quick to point out the irony of Musk's characterization, given his companies' substantial receipt of government support over the years. His companies have received approximately $18 billion from U.S. taxpayers, leading many to question whether he himself could be considered part of the "parasite class" he mocked.

Tesla had already received nearly $5 billion in government support by 2015, highlighting the contradiction between Musk's criticism of federal program recipients and his own businesses' reliance on government assistance.