Billionaire Brainrot: How the Mega Rich Turn MAGA
Elon Musk and JK Rowling used to inspire millions — now they’re spreading hate. Here’s how wealth distorts morality.
Elon Musk, the driving force behind Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink used to be called a visionary. We said he was the man who would lead humanity to Mars and reshape the future of transportation. JK Rowling, author of the beloved Harry Potter series, was one of the most celebrated writers in the world, inspiring millions with her story of overcoming adversity to create a literary empire.
And both have almost actively worked to turn their own fan bases against themselves, embracing conspiracy theories, hate speech and even holocaust denialism.
But they’re not alone.
Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, the lauded venture capitalist founders of A16Z and their fellow rich-lister David Sacks have all lined up to take a public shit on minorities and the marginalised by openly endorsing Donald Trump, a man who is actively calling for mass deportations.
What causes this “brainrot” phenomenon among the super-wealthy, leading them to embrace bigoted views and alienate the very societies that helped them amass their fortunes?
