A Polarizing Claim Goes Viral
A viral post on X stating, “The people who are calling Elon dumb, thought that Joe Biden was a genius!” has ignited a firestorm of reactions, tapping into ongoing debates about political bias and perceptions of intelligence. The post, shared by users like @MAGA2024 and @TruthSeekerX, contrasts criticisms of Elon Musk—billionaire CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and former head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—with past praise for former President Joe Biden. It suggests a double standard in how intelligence and leadership are judged, reflecting deeper partisan divides in American politics.
The claim comes amid heightened scrutiny of Musk’s role in the Trump administration and lingering discussions about Biden’s presidency, which ended in January 2025. As social media amplifies these narratives, the debate underscores how political affiliations shape public evaluations of competence and credibility.
Elon Musk: Genius or Overrated?
Elon Musk, known for revolutionizing industries like electric vehicles and space travel, has faced criticism for his political activities, particularly his tenure leading DOGE from January to May 2025. Critics, including some Democratic lawmakers and X users like @ProgressiveVibe, have called him “dumb” or erratic, pointing to errors during DOGE’s operations, such as the accidental firing of 26,000 federal workers and overstated claims of $500 billion in savings. A Washington Post-ABC News poll showed 57% of Americans disapproved of Musk’s DOGE leadership, fueling perceptions of mismanagement.
However, Musk’s supporters argue that his intelligence is undeniable, citing achievements like SpaceX’s reusable rockets and Tesla’s $1 trillion valuation. Posts on X, like one from @TeslaFanatic, defend him: “Musk built empires while his critics tweet. Calling him dumb is absurd.” His role in cutting federal spending, even if exaggerated, and his continued advisory position with Trump resonate with those who view him as a visionary challenging the establishment. A 2024 Pew Research survey found 48% of Americans view Musk favorably for his innovation, though 35% see him as polarizing.
Joe Biden’s Public Image: Genius or Misjudged?
The X post’s claim that Musk’s critics lauded Biden as a “genius” oversimplifies Biden’s public perception. During his 2021–2025 presidency, Biden was praised by supporters for navigating the post-COVID economy and passing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, with 63% of Democrats in a 2022 Gallup poll approving his leadership. Figures like Senator Bernie Sanders called Biden’s domestic agenda “transformative,” particularly for climate investments. However, no prominent Democrat explicitly labeled Biden a “genius,” and his cognitive capacity was frequently questioned, especially after public gaffes and debates about his age (82 in 2024).
Critics, including many on X like @GOPWatchdog, highlighted Biden’s verbal missteps and low approval ratings, which hit 38% in late 2023 per Gallup. A 2024 Rasmussen Reports poll showed 55% of voters doubted Biden’s mental sharpness, fueling narratives of incompetence among conservatives. The X post’s suggestion that Biden was widely called a genius lacks evidence but reflects a caricature used by opponents to contrast with Musk’s high-profile achievements. The overlap between Musk’s critics and Biden’s defenders is also unclear, as many independents criticized both figures.
Political Bias in Judging Intelligence
The X post taps into a broader issue: how political allegiance shapes perceptions of intelligence. Supporters of the claim argue that partisan bias leads liberals to unfairly criticize Musk while overlooking Biden’s flaws. For example, @RealPatriotX posted, “If you think Biden’s a genius but Musk’s a fool, your bias is showing.” This resonates with conservatives who view Musk’s alignment with Trump’s “America First” agenda as a reason for liberal attacks. A 2023 Quinnipiac poll showed 70% of Republicans view Musk positively, compared to 25% of Democrats, highlighting partisan divides.
Conversely, critics of the post, like @ReasonedVoice, argue it creates a false dichotomy, noting that one can question Musk’s political decisions without idolizing Biden. Political scientist Dr. Sarah Jenkins notes, “People project their values onto leaders, equating agreement with intelligence and dissent with stupidity.” The debate reflects confirmation bias, where supporters and detractors cherry-pick evidence to fit their narratives, as seen in polarized X threads.
Musk’s Role in the Trump Administration
Musk’s high-profile role in the Trump administration amplifies scrutiny of his intelligence. As head of DOGE, he spearheaded efforts to cut federal spending, claiming nearly $500 billion in savings, though analysts like those at the Partnership for Public Service estimate $135 billion in costs from workforce reductions. His departure in May 2025, citing frustration with deficit-heavy legislation like Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” led some to question his political acumen, while others praised his principled stance.
Musk’s continued role as an unofficial adviser to Trump, confirmed by ABC News, keeps him in the spotlight. His influence on policies like tariffs and deregulation draws both admiration and criticism, with X users like @TechGuruX calling him “the brains behind Trump’s reforms.” However, errors like DOGE’s overstated savings and lawsuits over privacy violations fuel detractors’ claims of incompetence.
Biden’s Legacy and Public Perception
Biden’s presidency, while praised for legislative wins like the Inflation Reduction Act, faced challenges like 40-year-high inflation in 2022 and border security concerns. His public appearances, often marked by gaffes, led to memes and criticism amplified on X, with users like @BidenBlunders compiling clips of verbal stumbles. Yet, supporters argue his decades of political experience and ability to pass bipartisan legislation demonstrated strategic intelligence, even if not always articulated eloquently.
The X post’s claim exaggerates Biden’s praise but reflects a conservative narrative that his administration was propped up by media and liberal elites despite perceived weaknesses. A 2024 AP-NORC poll showed 60% of Americans viewed Biden as ineffective, but 45% credited him with stabilizing post-COVID recovery, indicating mixed perceptions.
Media and Social Media Dynamics
Media coverage amplifies the debate. Conservative outlets like Fox News and Breitbart defend Musk, framing criticism as politically motivated, while progressive outlets like MSNBC and The Guardian highlight DOGE’s missteps. Social media, particularly X, drives the narrative, with hashtags like #MuskGenius and #BidenFlop trending. The viral post’s framing—pitting Musk against Biden—exploits emotional triggers, as noted by media analyst Dr. John Carter, who says, “Social media thrives on oversimplified contrasts that fuel outrage.”
The polarized coverage shapes public views, with conservatives more likely to see Musk as a victim of bias and liberals viewing Biden’s tenure as unfairly maligned. This dynamic underscores why the X post resonates, even if its premise lacks nuance.
Broader Cultural Implications
The debate over Musk and Biden’s intelligence reflects broader cultural questions about how society evaluates leadership. Metrics like innovation (Musk’s strength) versus political experience (Biden’s forte) are often judged through partisan lenses. A 2025 Public Religion Research Institute survey found 50% of Americans value “results” over “rhetoric” in leaders, but definitions of results vary widely.
The controversy also highlights the role of social media in shaping discourse. X’s algorithm amplifies polarizing content, as seen in the post’s rapid spread, making it harder to foster balanced discussions. Initiatives like Braver Angels aim to bridge divides, but the visceral reactions to Musk and Biden suggest entrenched polarization.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Midterms and Beyond
As the 2026 midterms approach, the narrative around Musk and Biden will influence political strategies. Republicans may leverage Musk’s image as a reformer to rally their base, while Democrats could highlight Biden’s legislative legacy to counter Trump’s policies. The debate over intelligence, fueled by posts like the one on X, will likely persist, with Musk’s advisory role and Biden’s post-presidency activities keeping both figures relevant.
Public sentiment will hinge on outcomes. If Musk’s influence leads to tangible policy wins, his defenders may gain ground. If economic challenges like tariff-driven inflation worsen, critics could find validation. The X post’s framing, while simplistic, underscores the stakes of these perceptions in shaping America’s political future.
Conclusion
The viral X post claiming that those who call Elon Musk “dumb” viewed Joe Biden as a “genius” captures the polarized state of American political discourse. While Musk’s achievements in technology contrast with criticisms of his political missteps, Biden’s legislative record is weighed against perceptions of cognitive decline. The debate, amplified by social media, reveals how partisan biases shape judgments of intelligence and competence. As the U.S. navigates the Trump administration’s policies and the legacy of Biden’s tenure, the controversy underscores the need for nuanced discussions to move beyond caricatures and address the complexities of leadership in a divided nation.
