In early March 2025, Democratic Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez of New York faced significant backlash following remarks directed at Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. During a public appearance outside the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Velázquez referenced a debunked interview in which Musk allegedly suggested that Italians should remain in Italy and Chinese people should stay in China. She questioned Musk’s presence in the United States, stating, “My question to Elon Musk is—what the hell are you doing here in America?”
Velázquez’s comments were met with swift criticism from various quarters. Conservatives and commentators labeled her remarks as xenophobic and unhinged. Jeremy Carl, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior during the Trump Administration, suggested a racial undertone to her rhetoric, stating, “Nydia Velázquez has finally found an immigrant she doesn’t like… America’s greatest entrepreneur, a White immigrant.”
Political commentator Dave Rubin also criticized Velázquez, describing her remarks as “old-fashioned anti African American racism.”
The controversy surrounding Velázquez’s comments highlights the complexities of political discourse in the United States, especially concerning immigration and the contributions of immigrants to American society. Elon Musk, born in South Africa, immigrated to the U.S. and became a naturalized citizen, founding several influential companies and contributing significantly to technological advancements.
This incident is not isolated. In January 2025, political strategist Steve Bannon referred to Musk as a “parasitic illegal immigrant,” despite Musk’s legal immigration status. Bannon’s criticism stemmed from Musk’s support for the H-1B visa program, highlighting tensions within political factions regarding immigration policies and the tech industry.
Additionally, media personalities have faced repercussions for unfounded accusations against Musk. Joy Behar, co-host of “The View,” apologized after falsely claiming Musk was “pro-apartheid,” acknowledging the inaccuracy of her statements.
The reactions to Velázquez’s comments underscore the polarized nature of contemporary political discourse. Critics argue that such remarks reflect a double standard, where xenophobic sentiments are condemned based on the political affiliation of the speaker. They contend that if a Republican had made similar comments, the backlash would have been more severe and widespread.
Supporters of Velázquez might argue that her comments were taken out of context or were an attempt to challenge perceived hypocrisy in Musk’s alleged statements about other nationalities. However, the debunked nature of the interview she referenced weakens this defense.
This incident also brings to light the broader issue of how immigrants, even those who have achieved significant success and contributed positively to society, can become targets in political debates. Elon Musk’s journey from South Africa to becoming a leading figure in technology exemplifies the potential of immigrants to drive innovation and economic growth. Targeting individuals based on their country of origin contradicts the foundational principles of diversity and inclusion that many advocate for.
In conclusion, Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez’s remarks directed at Elon Musk have sparked a debate on xenophobia, political double standards, and the treatment of immigrants in public discourse. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for informed and respectful dialogue, especially when addressing individuals’ backgrounds and contributions to society. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to uphold principles of fairness and avoid rhetoric that undermines the values of diversity and inclusion.
