In the ever-expanding universe of social media, few figures have mastered the art of Twitter quite like Elon Musk. The billionaire entrepreneur, known for his ventures in electric vehicles, space travel, and artificial intelligence, has also turned his 280-character missives into a spectacle. His tweets move markets, ignite controversies, and occasionally, leave the internet in stitches. Here’s a look at some of Musk’s most viral tweets—moments that defined his digital persona and sent shockwaves across industries.
1. The Infamous “Funding Secured” Tweet (2018)
Perhaps the most financially consequential tweet of Musk’s career came on August 7, 2018, when he announced:
“Am considering taking Tesla private at $420. Funding secured.”
The tweet, sent without prior consultation with Tesla’s board, sent Tesla’s stock price soaring—before crashing down when it became evident that funding was anything but secured. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) took notice, resulting in a $40 million settlement, Musk stepping down as Tesla chairman, and a new rule requiring his tweets about Tesla to be vetted. A costly tweet, indeed.
2. “Use Signal” – The Tweet That Tanked WhatsApp (2021)
In January 2021, Musk tweeted a simple, two-word directive:
“Use Signal.”
This seemingly innocuous recommendation for the encrypted messaging app Signal came amid growing privacy concerns about WhatsApp’s new policy changes. The result? A surge in Signal downloads—and mass confusion when an unrelated company, Signal Advance, saw its stock price jump over 5,000% in a matter of days.
3. The Dogecoin Obsession (2021)
Musk’s love affair with Dogecoin, the meme cryptocurrency, reached new heights when he tweeted:
“Dogecoin is the people’s crypto.”
This endorsement, along with subsequent tweets featuring memes and playful jabs at traditional finance, sent Dogecoin’s value skyrocketing by more than 1,000% in a matter of weeks. However, when Musk called Dogecoin a “hustle” during an appearance on Saturday Night Live, the price plummeted, proving once again that his words hold tremendous weight in the crypto world.
4. Twitter Takeover: “Let That Sink In” (2022)
In October 2022, as Musk finalized his controversial $44 billion acquisition of Twitter, he walked into Twitter HQ carrying a literal sink and posted:
“Entering Twitter HQ – let that sink in!”
The pun-laden tweet marked the beginning of a chaotic era for the platform, including mass layoffs, the reintroduction of controversial figures, and a shift toward a paid verification model. It was a meme-worthy moment that foreshadowed a radical transformation of the platform.
5. “My Pronouns Are Prosecute/Fauci” (2022)
Musk has never shied away from controversy, but this tweet, posted in December 2022, drew particular ire:
“My pronouns are Prosecute/Fauci.”
The tweet, which appeared to call for legal action against Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S.’s top infectious disease expert, ignited a firestorm. Public health officials and politicians condemned the statement, while Musk’s supporters praised him for challenging pandemic-era policies. Love him or hate him, Musk knows how to dominate headlines.
6. “The Bird is Freed” – The Post-Takeover Declaration (2022)
Upon officially acquiring Twitter, Musk declared:
“The bird is freed.”
It was a simple yet symbolic statement, marking the beginning of his reign over the platform. Some saw it as a call for free speech, while others braced for the chaos that followed—including the removal of content moderation policies and high-profile departures of Twitter executives.
7. The “Cis” Controversy (2023)
In 2023, Musk waded into the culture wars by tweeting:
“Cis is a slur.”
His statement came amid heated debates over gender terminology and quickly became one of his most divisive tweets. Supporters saw it as a challenge to political correctness, while critics accused him of undermining inclusive language. As with many Musk tweets, the backlash only amplified the discourse.
The Takeaway: Musk’s Twitter Legacy
Elon Musk’s tweets have been anything but ordinary. Whether tanking his own company’s stock, sending cryptocurrencies into a frenzy, or reshaping public discourse, his ability to command attention remains unmatched.
But the bigger question lingers: Is Musk a genius provocateur or a reckless disruptor? As Twitter (or “X,” as he now calls it) evolves under his leadership, one thing is certain—his tweets will continue to be appointment viewing for fans, critics, and market analysts alike.
In the age of Musk, 280 characters can shake the world.
