Claim: Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are “part of the World Economic Forum.”
Fact Check: False.
Detailed Analysis: A social media post recently criticized President-elect Donald Trump for selecting Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency. The post claimed both men were affiliated with the World Economic Forum (WEF), known for hosting annual meetings in Davos, Switzerland, and often targeted by conspiracy theories alleging global influence.
Elon Musk’s Stance: Musk has not only distanced himself from the WEF but has also openly criticized it. In January 2023, he called the WEF “an unelected world government that the people never asked for and don’t want.” When invited to the 2023 Davos meeting, Musk declined, stating it sounded “boring.” WEF spokesperson Yann Zopf confirmed that Musk had not attended since being invited in 2015. Additionally, in January 2024, Musk used Grok, X’s generative AI tool, to mock Klaus Schwab, the WEF’s founder, further showcasing his critical view.
Vivek Ramaswamy’s Stance: Ramaswamy, a former presidential candidate and prominent businessman, has also been clear about his opposition to the WEF. In 2021, the WEF included him on its Young Global Leaders list, an acknowledgment for leaders under 40. Ramaswamy did not accept the title and instead filed a lawsuit to have his name removed. In an August 2023 post on X, Ramaswamy described himself as a “leading opponent in America of the World Economic Forum’s agenda.” His campaign platform and public interviews highlighted this stance, with statements such as “World Economic Forum. What is my relationship with them? Answer: none. Absolutely none, other than being probably their top critic in the United States.”
Conclusion: The claim that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are affiliated with the World Economic Forum is unfounded. Both individuals have consistently voiced their disapproval of the organization and distanced themselves from it.
Rating: False.