Elon Musk Launches Another Anti-“Woke” Salvo, This Time Targeting 49ers Players
On June 4, 2025, Elon Musk made headlines again after declaring on X (formerly Twitter) that he would personally gift a Tesla Model 3 to any player from the San Francisco 49ers who publicly denounces Pride Month.
“I’ll give a brand-new Tesla Model 3 to any 49ers player who publicly rejects this year’s Pride Month,” Musk wrote.
“It’s time to end the WOKE era and bring back authenticity.”
The post immediately went viral, generating millions of views, thousands of reposts, and intense debate across the political spectrum.
Why the San Francisco 49ers?
The choice of the 49ers—a team based in one of the most progressive cities in America—is no coincidence. San Francisco is a global symbol of LGBTQ+ rights, inclusion, and pride activism. By singling out this team, Musk appears to be directly challenging the heart of “woke” culture and corporate virtue signaling.
His critics call it an intentional provocation, while supporters say it’s a stand for free speech and personal conviction.
Musk’s History of Anti-Woke Rhetoric
This is far from Elon Musk’s first cultural grenade. The billionaire CEO has consistently voiced opposition to what he calls “woke ideology,” criticizing everything from DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives to corporate Pride campaigns.
“Wokeism is a mind virus,” Musk stated in a 2023 interview. “It’s anti-merit, anti-reality, and anti-freedom.”
Now, during Pride Month 2025, he’s taking his message straight to professional athletes—one of the most visible symbols of public influence.
Reactions From Fans, Players, and Advocacy Groups
🔥 Supporters Applaud Musk’s “Courage”:
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Conservative commentators hailed Musk as a “true free speech champion.”
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Some fans argue athletes should have the freedom to opt out of corporate-backed Pride endorsements without fear of backlash.
🌈 Critics Slam Musk for Intolerance:
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LGBTQ+ rights groups accused Musk of spreading hate and using his platform to intimidate marginalized communities.
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The Human Rights Campaign called the statement “irresponsible, divisive, and dangerous.”
Meanwhile, hashtags like #BoycottTesla, #PrideWithThe49ers, and #MuskVsPride began trending within hours.
Will Any 49ers Players Respond?
As of now, no players from the 49ers have accepted Musk’s offer or issued public responses. Some insiders suggest team leadership is urging players to stay focused on football, not controversy.
However, anonymous sources have hinted that a few players may privately agree with Musk’s views but are hesitant to say so publicly for fear of media blowback and sponsorship loss.
The Bigger Picture: Culture Wars, Corporate Messaging, and the Limits of Free Speech
Elon Musk’s statement isn’t just about a car—it’s about the ongoing battle over cultural identity and public expression in America. By involving high-profile athletes during Pride Month, he’s forcing a national conversation on what it means to support or reject social causes in a hyper-politicized climate.
Whether seen as reckless provocation or heroic defiance, Musk’s move has, once again, set the tone for the week’s headlines and the country’s deepest divisions.
