The time José Mujica criticized Donald Trump and Elon Musk: 'They aren’t true liberals'

Former Uruguayan President José Mujica passed away today at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of outspoken political thought. In one of his final public interviews, Mujica criticized Donald Trump and Elon Musk, accusing them of distorting the true meaning of liberalism. His remarks sparked international conversation about the misuse of ideological labels. Mujica emphasized that neither Trump nor Musk represented authentic liberal values. Instead, he believed they embodied self-interest and market extremism.

Mujica argued that Donald Trump promoted a version of liberalism centered on authoritarianism and profit. He claimed Trump’s leadership lacked ethical depth, prioritizing division and deregulation over democratic responsibility. According to Mujica, this approach undermines institutions and the idea of a social contract. He warned that Trump’s rhetoric redefined liberalism into something aggressive and exclusionary. “He is no liberal,” Mujica once said, “but a showman selling chaos.”

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Regarding Elon Musk, Mujica took aim at the tech billionaire’s libertarian posturing and growing political influence. He criticized Musk’s obsession with unregulated markets and his disdain for public systems. For Mujica, Musk represents a technocratic elite that confuses innovation with social wisdom. He viewed Musk’s vision of freedom as disconnected from human solidarity. Mujica believed that real progress requires collective responsibility, not just individual ambition.

The late leader often spoke about the need for humility and public service in positions of power. He contrasted that philosophy with what he saw in Trump and Musk: ego-driven leadership. Mujica warned that celebrating wealth and disruption over empathy and structure damages democracy. He called for a return to political values rooted in justice and compassion. To him, true liberalism meant coexistence and respect—not spectacle or profit.

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Mujica’s criticisms were not driven by personal animosity but by ideological concern. He saw both Trump and Musk as symbols of a cultural shift toward selfishness disguised as freedom. He feared this shift would encourage inequality and social breakdown. By challenging their interpretations of liberalism, Mujica sought to defend a more inclusive and ethical political tradition. His voice stood as a counterbalance in an era dominated by billionaires and populists.

Today, as the world reflects on the life of José Mujica, his words gain renewed significance. His critiques of Trump and Musk highlight a deeper tension between ideology and power. Mujica urged the public to question those who wear liberal labels while promoting exclusion and excess. Even in death, his message remains powerfully relevant.