Elon Musk says legal action is coming after a televised exchange featuring former Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) took a harsh turn. During a CNN segment, Bowman made accusations that included calling Musk a “Nazi” and a “thief.” Musk, in response, posted on X, stating, “I’ve had enough. Lawsuit inbound.”
The outburst happened while Bowman was debating the impact of Musk’s role in President Donald Trump’s administration. Bowman insisted that Musk was unqualified and said mass firings under his leadership had been challenged in court.
Bowman’s criticism centered on job cuts and claims that courts ordered workers to be rehired. He said the American public did not have confidence in Musk and proceeded to label him in terms that Musk and many others have called defamatory.
🚨 #BREAKING: Elon Musk just announced he’s filing a lawsuit after disgraced former Rep. Jamaal Bowman called him a “thief” and a “NAZl” on CNN
“I’ve had enough. Lawsuit inbound,” Elon said
HELL YES! Sue them into the Stone Age!
Elon’s going to end up OWNING CNN 🤣🔥 pic.twitter.com/UGyz5cvoS5
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) March 22, 2025
Bowman served in Congress until early 2025 but lost his re-election bid in the Democratic primary to Rep. George Latimer (D-NY). His campaign faced resistance from pro-Israel groups and moderates in the party, especially after he referred to Israel as committing “genocide.”
JUST IN: Elon Musk announced he is launching a lawsuit after former Rep. Jamaal Bowman called him a “thief” and a “Nazi” on live TV pic.twitter.com/8cRvhYwvvN
— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) March 22, 2025
The former representative also drew national attention in 2023 when he triggered a fire alarm during a tense government funding battle. He was later charged with a misdemeanor, fined and formally censured by the House.
Following Bowman’s remarks on CNN, conservative voices began urging Musk to respond through the courts. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) and journalist Andy Ngo both expressed support. Ngo warned that networks allowing unchallenged accusations could be liable too.
CNN’s host, Abby Phillips, made a brief statement during the discussion, clarifying that Bowman’s comments were his own opinion. However, Phillips did not directly push back on the specific terms Bowman used to describe Musk.
Musk has been accused before of Nazi imagery, including after an awkward gesture during a speech on Inauguration Day. The Anti-Defamation League reviewed the footage and determined it did not appear intentional. Maye Musk, Elon’s mother, has encouraged him to pursue lawsuits over those allegations.
