Elon Musk’s Father Says Family Foundation Took Far-Right Activist Tommy Robinson to Russia

On July 11 2026, Errol Musk, father of Elon and Kimbal Musk, told the Guardian that the Musk Foundation—a private philanthropic organization founded by the brothers—covered a trip that brought British far-right activist Tommy Robinson (real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) to Moscow. Robinson appeared in a luxury hotel and, after a knife attack in Belfast, urged supporters to protest in Britain. The visit coincided with meetings that included Russian business figures and discussions on Russia’s demographic challenges. Police in Britain later seized Robinson’s phones upon his return.

The Guardian

Robinson’s Moscow appearance follows a pattern of Russian engagement with European ultra-nationalists. Earlier in 2026, the Guardian reported that Mark Collett, founder of the far-right group Patriotic Alternative, addressed a summit of European extremist groups convened in St Petersburg by an oligarch linked to President Vladimir Putin. The same period saw influencer Andrew Tate and his brother posting footage of themselves with Russian military equipment.

The Guardian

Errol Musk described Robinson as “a fine young man” and noted that “Tommy really got into these meetings.” He added that he had previously met Putin and attended an annual Kremlin-backed economic forum in St Petersburg. Robinson later told the Guardian he visited Russia to see the “beauty of a civilised society.” No Russian officials have publicly commented on the meetings.

The Guardian

Prof. Stephan Lewandowsky of the University of Bristol warned that the trip occurs within the context of a “hybrid war” that President Putin is waging against the West, suggesting that Russia seeks to recruit figures like Robinson and the Tates to undermine western democracy. He highlighted both pragmatic political motives and ideological alignment among ultra-nationalist actors.

The Guardian

• “I brought him out to Russia,” — Errol Musk

The Guardian

• “He’s very hotheaded, but at the same time, he’s learning,” — Errol Musk

The Guardian

• “So I contacted Tommy, I was asked on British television once what I think of Tommy,” — Errol Musk

The Guardian

• “Part of that means he will recruit anyone to undermine western democracy from within, whether that is Robinson, the Tates or others involved in more conventional politics,” — Prof. Stephan Lewandowsky, University of Bristol

The Guardian

• “It is to their political advantage, but there is also clearly examples of ideological alignment to the extent that we are talking about ultra-nationalist birds of a feather.” — Prof. Stephan Lewandowsky, University of Bristol

The Guardian