Elon Musk recently took to his platform to accuse a lawyer and myself of “undermining civilization,” questioning our childhood experiences and suggesting “generational trauma.” This is my response to his unfounded accusations.
Mr. Musk,
Your recent public criticism targeting me and another lawyer dedicated to upholding the rule of law and democratic principles in the United States is not unexpected. As someone working in the public sphere, particularly concerning issues debated on the platform you own, scrutiny comes with the territory.
I was once an active participant on Twitter, building a substantial following of over 900,000 users organically, aside from the increasing presence of right-wing bots. However, like many others, I made the decision to reduce my activity on the site. Under your leadership, it has unfortunately devolved into an environment rife with negativity and the spread of false information, a shadow of its former self.
My family’s history with your ventures extends to being early adopters of your electric vehicles. We were enthusiastic owners of a Model X and then a Model S, drawn in by your initial optimistic vision for addressing the climate crisis. However, our household no longer includes any Tesla vehicles, and we have no plans to purchase any in the future.
However, my intention in writing to you now is not to discuss platform grievances or consumer choices. You do not know me personally. Your assertions about my personal history, including whether I have experienced trauma and how it might manifest, are baseless and frankly, irrelevant to the public discourse.
Nevertheless, your mention of “generational trauma” prompts a response, particularly given my background. I am of Jewish heritage, a fact often simplified or distorted on your platform. While some may simply label me “a jew,” the reality is often expressed in far more offensive terms online. It’s worth recalling a time when Twitter actively removed antisemitic content, a stark contrast to the current climate where tolerating expressions of this ancient hatred appears to be permissible under your interpretation of “free speech.”
Like many Jewish families, my ancestors sought refuge in America to escape trauma. They fled persecution from the Pale of Settlement within the Russian Empire, a region where Jewish residency was legally restricted. Even within this Pale, life was precarious and often traumatic. My family, like countless others, resided in a shtetl, facing poverty and the ever-present threat of pogroms – violent outbreaks where Jewish communities were attacked, brutalized, and forcibly displaced.
By the time my family made the courageous decision to flee, life for Jews in the Pale had become untenable. The Tsarist regime under Nicholas II actively propagated anti-Jewish propaganda, inciting violence and theft against Jewish communities. My great-grandfather’s emigration was timely. Those who remained behind would later face unimaginable horrors during the Nazi invasion.
This history represents the generational trauma I carry. It is the trauma of being marginalized and treated as an outsider by one’s own countrymen, individuals once considered neighbors and friends. It is the trauma of being scapegoated by authoritarian figures. It is the trauma of forced displacement while millions of others were systematically murdered. It is the trauma of witnessing influential figures treat this profound suffering with indifference, or worse.
As an immigrant yourself, you are likely familiar with the profound upheaval of leaving one’s homeland, extended family, and community to build a new life in the United States. Of course, your arrival likely differed significantly from my family’s. They arrived with meager possessions, enduring a grueling nine-day journey in the cramped confines of a ship, and even had their surname altered by immigration officials upon arrival. The ship manifest documenting their journey clearly illustrates this reality. Aron, listed at age three, was my grandfather.
Life as new immigrants was undeniably challenging. My family faced overcrowded living conditions without basic amenities like hot water. They took on manual labor, the kind of essential work that immigrants continue to perform today.
While some segments of society may look down upon these immigrants – those without elite academic credentials – my family took immense pride in their work and were deeply grateful for the opportunity and refuge offered by the United States. They found strength and solidarity within their Jewish community and aligned politically with the Democratic Party.
My decision to pursue a legal career was driven by a desire to give back to the nation that had provided my family with a chance at a better future. My legal practice focuses on representing Democratic campaigns, reflecting my belief in the party’s values. I am committed to litigating voting rights cases, recognizing the fundamental right to vote as the cornerstone of our democracy. And I am outspoken about safeguarding free and fair elections because these principles are currently under threat.
Now, let’s address the core issue underlying your post.
You possess immense wealth and influence. Your alignment with Donald Trump is clear. Whether this alliance stems from a belief that you can control him or a shared authoritarian worldview remains unclear, and frankly, is inconsequential.
Together, you and figures like Trump are actively dismantling governmental institutions, eroding the rule of law, and disproportionately harming the most vulnerable members of our society. In contrast, I am simply a lawyer. I lack your vast resources and expansive platform. I do not wield the power of the federal government, nor do I command a vast network of followers to intimidate those who disagree with me. I may indeed carry generational trauma.
But it is crucial for you to understand this about me. I am the great-grandson of a man who bravely led his family from a life of hardship in a shtetl to an unknown land in pursuit of a better future. I am the grandson of that three-year-old child who embarked on that transformative journey. While my English name is Marc, my Hebrew name is Elhanan (אֶלְחָנָן) – named after the valiant warrior in King David’s army who confronted and defeated a formidable giant.
I am prepared to utilize every legal and ethical tool at my disposal to protect this nation from the threats posed by figures like Trump and the ideologies they represent. I will continue to litigate to defend voting rights until there are no further cases to pursue. I will remain a vocal advocate against authoritarianism until my last breath.
I will not be intimidated. I will not yield or compromise my principles. I will never submit to tyranny.
Defiantly,
Marc Elias
