Elon Musk Brands Anthropic AI Models 'Evil' Amid Race Posts, SpaceX's Moon Pivot

Elon Musk has never been one to avoid a fight. This month he set his sights on the artificial intelligence firm Anthropic, branding its Claude models 'misanthropic and evil', even as his own social media activity about race attracted mounting criticism.

The Tesla and SpaceX chief used his platform to accuse Anthropic PBC of promoting ideas he believes are harmful and skewed against humanity. He argued that AI systems should reflect what he considers core human values. The attack came during a period in which Musk was posting frequently about race, often on a near-daily basis.

In January, the 54-year-old entrepreneur amplified content centred on the decline of a white majority population. The pattern sparked debate online, with some framing it as an exercise of free speech. Critics, however, said the tone risked fuelling division, especially at a time when social media discourse is already strained.

AI Clash Fuels Wider Debate

Musk's criticism of Anthropic AI is not an isolated case. Fox Business reported that he described the company's AI models in stark terms, questioning their design and intent. Anthropic, for its part, has positioned itself as a safety-focused AI developer, emphasising caution and safety.

That makes the dispute more than a personal spat. It taps into a broader industry argument about who defines 'safety,' who sets the values embedded in AI systems and how much influence a handful of technology leaders should wield.

Elon Musk runs his own AI venture and remains one of the most visible figures in the technology sector. When he publicly challenges a rival, it resonates beyond social media. Investors, developers and policymakers take note.

At the same time, his posting pattern in January drew scrutiny in its own right. Reports suggested he repeatedly shared content about demographic change and echoed themes common in online culture debates. The frequency of the posts, sometimes daily, heightened the attention.

For some, the connection between his AI critique and his commentary on race felt uneasy. They see a technology leader influencing both digital tools and public conversation simultaneously.

Race Posts Cast a Long Shadow

Elon Musk's January posts included repeated references to population trends and concerns about a shrinking white majority, The Guardian noted. He has long warned about falling birth rates, arguing they pose a risk to civilisation. In recent weeks, however, the emphasis appeared sharper.

His account reaches millions. Unsurprisingly, the reaction was swift. Some users accused him of amplifying divisive narratives, while others defended his right to raise demographic questions.

Musk is no stranger to controversy. What has intensified the scrutiny this time is the scope of his interests. His companies rely on regulatory approval, public contracts and investor confidence. When a high-profile executive blends political themes with corporate influence, the implications extend beyond personal opinion.

Employees, partners and shareholders are observing. So are lawmakers.

SpaceX Turns from Mars to the Moon

Amid the online disputes, Musk also outlined a notable shift in SpaceX's long-term plans. According to Singularity Hub, the company is placing renewed emphasis on the Moon, moving attention away from its long-stated ambition of colonising Mars.

Musk spoke of building a self-sustaining city on the Moon, one that could expand using local resources. The idea fits his long-held view that humanity should become multiplanetary, though the lunar pivot surprised some who saw Mars as the ultimate goal.

Reports cited the Moon may serve as a practical testing ground for settlement technologies. The strategy also aligns with SpaceX's existing work with NASA on lunar missions, potentially strengthening ties with US space policy priorities.

The association is striking. On one front, Musk is engaged in a heated argument over AI ethics and online discourse. On another, he is outlining plans for infrastructure beyond Earth.

SpaceX's lunar pivot actually took many by surprise. Musk confirmed the strategic change on X during the Super Bowl Sunday event.

Although the dual focus raises questions about judgement and priorities, it also reflects a consistent willingness to challenge rivals and pursue ambitious goals altogether.

Elon Musk's Anthropic attacks, his commentary on race and his renewed lunar ambition have kept the tech mogul firmly at the centre of debate, whether in technology, in politics and in space.