MUSK DECLARES WAR AFTER ALLEGED THREAT FROM A SOMALI CONTENT CREATOR.

Billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has ignited a storm of controversy after declaring “it is war” in response to a viral video in which a Somali TikToker appeared to suggest that he was “about to die” — a remark widely interpreted by his supporters as a threat to his life.

The incident unfolded after a livestream circulated online showing a content creator identified as “Dowza.z”, who alternated between Somali and English while discussing Musk’s recent criticism of alleged fraud linked to Somali-run businesses in Minnesota. Referring to Musk in English, she said: “I wouldn’t worry too much about him, he about to die.” However, the account has since been deleted.

Musk reacted swiftly. Sharing the clip on his social media platform X, the Tesla and SpaceX chief launched a cryptic but explosive response: “Then it is war.” His post immediately went viral, triggering intense debate across political and social media circles.

Several influential right-leaning accounts called for federal authorities to investigate the matter, with some urging law enforcement agencies to intervene.

Utah Republican Senator Mike Lee weighed in forcefully, posting: “Deport her immediately. She shouldn’t be here,” despite there being no public confirmation of the TikToker’s location, immigration status, or even her true identity.

The episode comes against the backdrop of heightened political tension surrounding major fraud investigations in Minnesota. US authorities have charged at least 77 people in the high-profile “Feeding Our Future” case, a $250 million scheme that allegedly exploited pandemic-era waivers in federal child nutrition programmes.

A separate probe is examining alleged abuse of Minnesota’s Housing Stability Services Program, which provides Medicaid-funded housing support.

Many of those charged in the cases are members of Minnesota’s Somali American community — a fact that has intensified political rhetoric and drawn criticism from civil rights advocates who warn against collective blame.

The investigations have nonetheless become a focal point for conservative leaders, including President Donald Trump, who announced plans late last year to end Temporary Protected Status for Somali migrants in Minnesota while pledging tougher enforcement against fraud.

Musk has been one of the loudest public voices on the issue, repeatedly highlighting the Minnesota cases as evidence of what he describes as systemic abuse of government programmes.

In a recent post, Musk said the Minnesota scandal was “one of many,” claiming that while leading the Department of Government Efficiency under the Trump administration, his team uncovered “hundreds of fraud schemes.”

“There was massive fraud in every government program, especially federal funds sent as block grants to the states,” Musk wrote.

Despite the heated language online, there is currently no public confirmation that the TikToker’s comment meets the legal threshold of a credible threat. No charges have been announced, and US authorities have not disclosed whether an active investigation is underway specifically related to the clip.

As the fallout continues, critics warn that the rhetoric risks inflaming tensions and unfairly targeting entire communities over the actions — or words — of an individual. Supporters of Musk, however, argue that any statement hinting at violence against a high-profile public figure must be treated with utmost seriousness.