On Tuesday, Scott Galloway, an NYU professor and podcaster, labeled SpaceX CEO Elon Musk a "traitor" during an episode of his "Prof G Podcast." Galloway compared Musk's actions regarding Starlink satellite internet to historical figures including Julius and Ethel Rosenberg and aviator Charles Lindbergh.
The controversial remarks surfaced on Election Day as Galloway discussed reports that SpaceX restricted Starlink speeds in Ukraine last month, which reportedly disrupted Ukrainian military operations in the ongoing war with Russia. Galloway used an alternate history scenario involving World War II to illustrate his viewpoint.
The Podcast Comparison and Historical Analogy
On his "Prof G Podcast," Galloway asked listeners to imagine a 1930s scenario where aviator Charles Lindbergh owned an aircraft manufacturer and disabled guidance systems for British bombers mid-flight. He asserted that a similar situation played out recently with Elon Musk throttling back Starlink during the conflict.
Drawing a stark historical parallel, Galloway stated that the United States executed the Rosenbergs for espionage involving Soviet atomic secrets during the Cold War. He argued that the tech billionaire should face equivalent scrutiny.
"I think Elon Musk is a traitor to the West," Galloway said on the podcast, acknowledging that his remarks were incendiary. He later repeated similar sentiments on the "Pivot" podcast alongside co-host Kara Swisher, reiterating that the tech leader should be held to standard accountability for perceived treason.
Starlink Restrictions and Tech Industry Idolatry
Galloway further criticized modern American culture, suggesting that an excessive obsession with wealth and innovation creates a "cloud cover" that shields prominent figures from traditional consequences.
In response to restrictions on the satellite service, Elon Musk previously explained that Ukraine was utilizing the network outside of permitted boundaries. Musk stated that using Starlink—characterized as a civilian commercial service—for offensive drone operations and lethal strikes was never permitted under service guidelines.
Critical Reactions to Galloway's Remarks
The statements drew swift pushback from political commentators and defenders of the tech executive. Theo Wold, a former White House deputy assistant for domestic policy under the first Trump administration, strongly condemned the rhetoric.
In a statement, Wold called the comparison "ludicrous" and defended Musk as a symbol of technological progress and optimism in Western civilization. Wold claimed that critics only turned against Musk after he utilized his First Amendment freedoms to support Republicans, characterizing Galloway's commentary as a partisan political attack.
Key Facts of the Controversy
- Scott Galloway called Elon Musk a "traitor" on his "Prof G Podcast" on Tuesday.
- The NYU professor compared Musk to Cold War spies Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were executed in 1953.
- The controversy stems from reports that SpaceX restricted Starlink satellite internet speeds during the conflict in Ukraine.
- Musk previously defended service limits by stating that civilian commercial networks are not allowed for offensive drone strikes.
- Former White House official Theo Wold criticized Galloway's statements as a partisan attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who called Elon Musk a traitor?
NYU professor and podcaster Scott Galloway called Elon Musk a traitor during his "Prof G Podcast" on Tuesday.
What historical figures did Scott Galloway compare Elon Musk to?
Galloway compared Musk to Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were executed for espionage in 1953, as well as aviator Charles Lindbergh in a hypothetical World War II scenario.
Why did Scott Galloway criticize Elon Musk's actions?
Galloway pointed to reports that SpaceX restricted Starlink satellite internet speeds in Ukraine, which allegedly disrupted Ukrainian military operations against Russia.