SouthernWorldwide.com – Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner faced widespread mockery from conservatives on social media for a post expressing dismay over Elon Musk becoming the world’s first trillionaire.
Platner’s post on X stated, “Elon Musk just became the world’s first trillionaire. Let’s make sure he’s also the last.” The statement was seen by over 2 million people as of Friday evening.
His remarks were in response to news that Musk’s company, SpaceX, began trading at $150 per share on Friday, exceeding its listing price of $135. This surge followed the initial public offering (IPO) and officially made Musk the world’s first trillionaire.
The post drew significant criticism from conservatives online. Many users brought up the controversies surrounding Platner’s campaign, including allegations of infidelity, a Nazi tattoo, physical abuse of a former girlfriend, and past social media posts critical of the military and rural America.
One critic, Red State writer Bonchie, posted on X, “Communists can never quite grasp that if you make Musk poorer, you make millions of others poorer in the process because unlike them, he actually creates value for others in society. It’s deranged.”
Senator Mike Lee of Utah also weighed in on X, suggesting a comparison: “Pick your fighter. Guy who innovates constantly, has built phenomenally successful businesses, and now reaps the rewards. Guy who thought it wise to permanently stain his chest with a Nazi SS Totenkopf tattoo.”
Charlie Kirk show producer Blake Neff commented on X, “Worth reminding everyone that in addition to being a pathological liar Graham Platner also has the economic views of third world resentment socialists.”
Joel Pollak, opinion editor at the California Post, labeled Platner’s sentiment as “loserthink” on X. He added, “Musk’s IPO is making millions of Americans wealthier. And his success is inspiring others: ‘If it can happen for an immigrant kid — why not me?’ The winning way to think — the AMERICAN way to think — is: Let’s make some more trillionaires!”
Actor Dean Cain expressed his hopes on X, stating, “I hope @elonmusk is the first of many trillionaires. Pray for others to have his success and continue to change the world for the better, for EVERYONE!!”
Platner has been under scrutiny since launching his campaign. Critics have pointed to his alleged exaggeration of his “blue collar record” and his alignment with progressive economic policies, including endorsements from figures like Senator Bernie Sanders.
SpaceX’s IPO was a significant event, with the company raising a record $75 billion. This valuation placed the company at approximately $1.8 trillion, boosting the estimated value of Musk’s stake in SpaceX to $690 billion.
Combined with his holdings in Tesla and other assets, Musk’s net worth is now estimated to be around $1.1 trillion. This makes him the wealthiest individual in the world.
Following its trading debut, SpaceX stock saw a substantial increase, reaching $168.75 per share before settling around $158. The stock later climbed to a new high of $176.52, closing the trading day at $160.95 per share.
Investor demand for SpaceX shares was exceptionally high. Reports indicated that the company received over $250 billion in orders. Notably, retail investors alone submitted more than $70 billion in requests for shares.
According to Bloomberg, SpaceX is expected to allocate at least 20% of its offering to retail investors. This is considered an unusually large portion for individual investors in a deal of this magnitude.
