Elon Musk responds after lip reader claims he asked ‘terrorist’ question at White House

Elon Musk has responded after reports surfaced claiming he referred to a Saudi Prince as a “terrorist” during a political banquet. The alleged remark was said to have taken place at a high-profile event attended alongside Donald Trump.

According to a Mail Online lip reader, Musk supposedly made the comment during Trump’s banquet honoring Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on November 19. Around the same time, he also faced criticism regarding his 2025 Tesla CEO performance award, which could give him a 25 percent stake in the company and potentially make him a trillionaire.

Musk pushed back on social media after claims circulated that he would receive the massive payout even if he failed to meet the required performance goals. When More Perfect Union shared a post criticizing his potential earnings, he clarified that he had not received any payout and would only earn it if Tesla met its targets.

The controversy intensified after the Daily Mail’s lip reader alleged Musk asked Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla whether the Saudi Prince was a “terrorist.” A video without audio circulated online with subtitles suggesting the accusation.

Musk dismissed the allegation, stating the translation was false and that he was actually asking about upcoming cancer treatments, as Pfizer develops oncology drugs.

Online reactions were mostly supportive, with many arguing the video was being misinterpreted. Some commenters even joked that Musk should start covering his mouth while speaking, like professional athletes.

Tyla has contacted representatives for Musk and the lip reader for further comment.