Natasha Cloud, a 32-year-old guard for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, drew sharp criticism on Sunday for a controversial post on X (formerly Twitter) regarding Elon Musk.
In her post, Cloud wrote, “So when y’all gone tell Elon to go back to Africa?”
“So when y’all gone tell Elon to go back to Africa?” — Natasha Cloud (@T_Cloud4), December 22, 2024
Musk, the owner of X, was born in Pretoria, South Africa, and became a naturalized U.S. citizen. Cloud’s comment appears to be part of ongoing criticism from some circles over Musk’s growing influence in politics and media, particularly among those opposing his efforts to challenge legislation and government spending practices.
Cloud followed up with another post, this time targeting billionaires and their supposed lack of understanding about government. She referenced a controversial spending bill recently debated in the House of Representatives:
“I’m so glad ALL these billionaires have no idea how the 3 branches of government work….or how a bill gets passed into law. Shoutout to the 38 Republicans who shot the bill down in the House while being threatened & blackmailed,” she wrote.
“Im so glad ALL these billionaires have no idea how the 3 branches of government work….or how a bill gets passed into law. Shoutout to the 38 Republicans who shot the bill down in the House while being threatened & blackmailed.” — Natasha Cloud (@T_Cloud4), December 22, 2024
Musk recently helped lead public opposition to a 1,500-page spending bill, alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, former Republican presidential candidate and now co-leader of the temporary Department of Government Efficiency. Musk called for political consequences for House members who supported the bill, which led to a revised and significantly reduced version eventually passing.
While Musk and Ramaswamy’s actions were applauded by many conservatives, Cloud’s comments reflect growing polarization over Musk’s expanding influence in both the tech world and politics.
Critics argue Cloud’s remarks highlighted a broader trend of ad hominem attacks, fueled by establishment narratives. Despite the contentious nature of her post, some noted the irony of using Musk’s free-speech platform to criticize him.
The controversy underscores deeper divides over fiscal policy, media narratives, and public figures like Musk, who continue to occupy central roles in shaping America’s political landscape.
