Elon Musk shares cryptic "No Kings" post amid protests

Elon Musk stirred up conversation with a mysterious post on his social media platform X, sharing a quote from the video game BioShock: "No gods or kings, only man." He added a caption, "Anyone else think of this yesterday?" This came right after widespread "No Kings" protests across the United States, which criticized President Donald Trump's leadership. The protests, held during Trump’s birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, saw millions rally against what they see as Trump’s authoritarian style.

The BioShock quote, tied to the game’s character Andrew Ryan, reflects a belief in individual freedom over traditional authority. Musk’s post, paired with an image of Ryan’s bust, left people guessing about his intentions. Some think he was subtly mocking Trump, especially after their recent public fallout over a tax bill Musk called a “disgusting abomination.” Others believe he was highlighting human achievement, as he later shared the same quote alongside a SpaceX Starship video.

Musk and Trump’s relationship has been rocky lately. After Musk left his role in the Department of Government Efficiency, Trump threatened to cut his government contracts, worth billions. Musk later expressed regret for some of his harsh posts about Trump, admitting they went “too far.” The protests, meanwhile, turned violent in some cities, with incidents like a car attack in Virginia and a shooting in Utah. Musk’s cryptic message has only fueled speculation about his stance on Trump and the protests, leaving many to wonder what he meant.