When devastating wildfires destroyed thousands of homes and took at least 24 lives in Los Angeles, the world’s richest person, Elon Musk, took action.
Musk, who is also a Tesla boss, sent eight Cybertrucks to local police stations, each carrying Red Vines, bottled water, and oranges. The trucks are deployed with Starlink internet terminals, where connectivity will be supplied to all affected areas. While some praised his efforts, others believed that it was just a part of his PR stun.
Musk to the Rescue to Wildfire Victims
Elon Musk’s ‘Heroic’ Wildfire Aid – Cybertrucks, Starlink, and Snacks,
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
According to Tesla, there were three Cybertrucks located at sheriff’s departments in Altadena, two at locations in Pasadena, and three at other places in Zuma Beach and Malibu. Supplies were very few, as were internet capabilities. Tesla also rolled out portable Megapack energy storage systems to power a few of these locations, Gizmodo writes in its report.
“Apologies to those expecting Cybertruck deliveries in California over the next few days,” the business tycoon tweeted over the weekend.
Musk added that they needed those trucks as mobile base stations that would power up Starlink Internet terminals. This will be a big help to LA areas with no connectivity. At the end of the week, a new truck is expected to be sent.
Despite these efforts, critics argue that the aid is not enough for the general population. Most people view it as a publicity stunt rather than a meaningful contribution since Musk has the resources and money to do more.
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How Social Media Perceives Musk’s Wildfire Heroics
Musk retweeted praise from various accounts, including one that applauded his “generosity” for providing Starlink terminals.
A video shared by Musk and others claimed his actions saved lives, although the video’s AI-generated narration and dramatic tone drew widespread skepticism.
Elon Musk stepped up big time, donating Starlink to help Los Angeles firefighters and people stay connected during the chaos. Say what you want about the guy, but who else is making moves like this when it counts? pic.twitter.com/TlKozxKVjs
— Desiree (@DesireeAmerica4) January 12, 2025
Critics pointed out the overstatement in the assertions by Musk. The video presented Musk as a hero by including pictures of him posing in front of burning buildings, which was really distasteful considering the ongoing tragedy.
Background to the Wildfire Crisis
The wildfires, including the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire, have burned tens of thousands of acres with containment levels as low as 14%. The crisis has been exacerbated by challenges such as limited water supplies and strained resources that firefighters have had to face.
In a livestream, Musk attempted to highlight perceived shortcomings in California’s fire management strategies. However, a firefighter calmly explained that the water shortages were due to the unprecedented scale of the fires, not mismanagement.
Musk’s History of PR Stunts During Crises
This is not the first instance in which Musk’s crisis response has been held accountable.
In 2018, during the Thai cave rescue, Musk proposed using a “mini-submarine” to rescue the trapped soccer team.
Critics called it unfeasible and labeled Musk’s involvement a publicity stunt. When criticized, Musk retaliated against an expert by calling him a “pedo” and hiring a private investigator to tarnish him.
While Musk’s initiatives, including Starlink terminals, can do real good, his approach most of the time blurs the line between altruism and self-promotion. Critics suggest that his efforts, though helping on a smaller scale, have been overshadowed by exaggerated claims and media manipulation.
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