Elon Musk accused of homophobia in feud with Trump Cabinet member Sean Duffy
– 2 min read
Elon Musk has reignited his long-standing feud with Trump administration official Sean Duffy, posting a homophobic meme on social media that has drawn widespread condemnation and intensified tensions surrounding NASA’s future.
The billionaire tech mogul and SpaceX CEO responded to criticism from Duffy - currently serving as both US Secretary of Transportation and Acting NASA Administrator - by sharing a GIF on X (formerly Twitter) featuring the phrase “Why are you gay?”, a reference to a viral clip from a Ugandan talk show. The post was widely interpreted as a homophobic slur aimed at Duffy, and marks a new low in the pair’s increasingly bitter public exchanges.
The spat began after Duffy appeared on CNBC, accusing SpaceX of falling behind schedule on the Artemis programme, which aims to return humans to the Moon. He announced that NASA would open its Human Landing System contract to competitors, including Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin. “We’re not going to wait for one company,” Duffy said. “We’re going to win the second space race against China”.
Musk, clearly incensed, launched a barrage of posts on X. Alongside the offensive meme, he dubbed Duffy “Sean Dummy” and accused him of “trying to kill NASA”. He further claimed that “the person responsible for America’s space programme can’t have a two-digit IQ”.
The feud has broader implications. A recent report suggested Duffy was considering folding NASA into the Department of Transportation - a move Musk and others have criticised as a threat to US space leadership. NASA’s press secretary clarified that Duffy had merely floated the idea and was helping vet candidates for the permanent administrator role.
Musk’s use of the “Why are you gay?” meme has sparked backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates and political commentators, who accuse him of weaponising homophobia to score political points. The meme, originating from a 2012 Ugandan TV interview, has long been criticised for its derogatory tone and misuse in online trolling.
