Musk Threatens Lawsuit After Bowman Calls Him ‘Nazi’ And ‘Thief’ On CNN
Elon Musk said he’s preparing to take legal action after former Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) publicly labeled him a “Nazi” and a “thief” during a CNN panel appearance. Musk responded on X Friday night with a short post: “I’ve had enough. Lawsuit inbound.”
The sharp remarks came during a heated segment Thursday evening when Bowman, who lost his seat in Congress last summer, claimed that Musk was unfit for his role in President Donald Trump’s administration.
Bowman criticized Musk’s leadership, saying, “The American people do not trust Elon Musk and Elon Musk is incompetent in his position.” He pointed to layoffs under Musk’s leadership, alleging that courts had forced companies to rehire employees after wrongful terminations.
🚨 #BREAKING: Elon Musk just announced he’s filing a lawsuit after disgraced former Rep. Jamaal Bowman called him a “thief” and a “NAZl” on CNN
“I’ve had enough. Lawsuit inbound,” Elon said
HELL YES! Sue them into the Stone Age!
Elon’s going to end up OWNING CNN 🤣🔥 pic.twitter.com/UGyz5cvoS5
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) March 22, 2025
“He’s incompetent. He’s a thief. He’s a Nazi,” Bowman said, drawing a reaction not only from Musk but also from legal experts and conservative figures.
JUST IN: Elon Musk announced he is launching a lawsuit after former Rep. Jamaal Bowman called him a “thief” and a “Nazi” on live TV pic.twitter.com/8cRvhYwvvN
— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) March 22, 2025
Musk has not shared details about his potential lawsuit, but the case appears to focus on defamation. Public figures must prove that false claims were made with “actual malice” — a high bar under U.S. law.
Conservative journalist Andy Ngo, known for documenting Antifa-related violence, defended Musk’s position and warned that CNN could also face legal exposure for airing unchallenged accusations. “Accusing people of crimes is not protected opinion,” Ngo wrote. “CNN is putting itself at risk of liability.”
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) joined the chorus of support, urging Musk to pursue legal action. “Sue him! Defamation against conservatives can’t go unaddressed or it will never end,” Lee posted on X.
Bowman, once part of the left-wing “Squad,” was defeated by George Latimer (D-NY) in a hotly contested primary last year. His campaign faced backlash over his outspoken criticism of Israel and controversial conduct while in office.
In 2023, Bowman was censured by the House after he pulled a fire alarm in a Capitol building as lawmakers negotiated to avoid a government shutdown. He later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor, paid a $1,000 fine and wrote an apology.
During Thursday’s segment, CNN host Abby Phillips distanced the network from Bowman’s comments, reminding viewers that his words reflected only his opinion.
Musk’s mother, Maye Musk, has previously called for legal action against media outlets that accused her son of making a “Nazi salute” during Trump’s inauguration.