Elon Musk recently voiced his support for Vice President JD Vance’s stance on violent crime, which is a pretty big statement when you consider the vice president’s claims. Vance posted on X, claiming that the idea of violent crime being “systemic” is “the big lie the Democrats told”. He believes that this lie is a way to fund nonprofits that “don’t do anything besides give jobs to underqualified radicals.”
Instead of blaming the system, Vance argues that the majority of violent crime is committed by a small group of people who should be “thrown in prison”. Musk clearly agreed with Vance, and even added to the conversation. He reposted Vance’s statement and said, “What it comes down to is this: Do you have more sympathy for those highly likely to commit murder or more for those at risk of being murdered?”
He went on to call anyone who chooses the former a “disgusting human being,” claiming that “so many on the radical left choose this!”. It’s a pretty intense accusation, and it shows just how much he agrees with the sentiment that it’s a small group of people committing these crimes. While Musk has been on his best behavior with Trump, this isn’t the first time he’s talked about this topic.
Elon Musk agrees with Vance that crime is done by a minority of people
Musk has previously advocated for life imprisonment for repeat violent criminals, stating that a “second conviction for aggravated violent crime should get life imprisonment”. The conversation didn’t stop there. Republican Rep. Beth Van Duyne of Texas also chimed in, echoing a similar sentiment. She asserted that the “crime and homeless industrial complexes” set up by Democrats are not designed to solve problems.
Instead, she believes they are “fraudulent entities” that exist to “launder taxpayer dollars to enrich themselves, their friends, and further radical, pro-criminal policies”. This whole thing brings up some pretty big questions about how we view crime and punishment in America. On one hand, you have Vance and Musk arguing that the solution is to lock up a small group of people who are responsible for most of the violence.
Yes.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 9, 2025
What it comes down to is this:
Do you have more sympathy for those highly likely to commit murder or more for those at risk of being murdered?
If the former, you are a disgusting human being and yet so many on the radical left choose this! https://t.co/5qbeHP5oie
This approach focuses on individual accountability and strict punishment. It’s a very direct, “tough on crime” perspective that a lot of people can probably get behind. On the other hand, the “systemic” argument, which Vance is so against, suggests that crime is a result of larger societal issues like poverty, lack of education, or inadequate mental health care.
People who believe this would argue that just locking people up doesn’t solve the root problems, and that it’s just a band-aid on a much bigger wound. It’s a debate that’s been going on for years, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to be settled anytime soon.
