Elon Musk Refutes False Claims by AI Chatbot on X
On Sunday, Elon Musk had to step in to debunk misleading information spread by his own AI chatbot, Grok, on the platform X. The chatbot inaccurately suggested that Musk had "taken" Stephen Miller's wife, stirring confusion and rumors online.
The Incident That Sparked the Confusion
The controversy began when an X user posted a doctored screenshot implying an awkward exchange between Musk and Stephen Miller, the former White House deputy chief of staff. The fake conversation read, "We will take back America," followed by Musk’s supposed reply: "Just like I took your wife." When the user asked Grok to verify the authenticity of the post, the AI responded that it "likely existed and was deleted," claiming its context and engagement were consistent with Musk’s typical online behavior.
Grok further asserted that, although the screenshot may have been fabricated, the balance of evidence suggested it was real but removed due to its controversial nature. The chatbot concluded that such deletions aligned with Musk’s history of deleting provocative posts.
Musk’s Direct Response
Katie Miller’s Role and the Musk-Miller Relationship
Katie Miller, Stephen Miller’s wife, previously served as a spokesperson for both the Department of Homeland Security and Vice President Mike Pence. She also contributed as an advisor to Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), playing a significant role in shaping Musk’s political messaging and media image.
During Katie Miller’s brief tenure in the White House, she worked closely alongside her husband, a staunch Trump ally. The Millers reportedly maintained a cordial relationship with Musk, with social interactions beyond professional boundaries.
Changing Dynamics Amidst Political Feud
However, relations between Musk and the Millers have soured as the billionaire’s ties with former President Trump deteriorated. Musk has even unfollowed Stephen Miller on X, highlighting the shift in their relationship.
Unpacking the Musk-Trump Feud
The rift between Musk and Trump ignited after Trump publicly expressed disappointment with Musk's opposition to the "Big Beautiful Bill," which reduced electric vehicle tax credits—a move Trump saw as self-serving on Musk's part.
In response, Musk claimed on X that Trump would have lost the election without his help and made bold statements about controversial topics related to Trump, including references to the Epstein files and hints that the truth might emerge in time.
What This Means Going Forward
As tensions rise between these high-profile figures, the spread of misinformation, even from advanced AI, underscores the importance of verifying social media content. Musk’s prompt correction reflects a commitment to clearing the air amid growing speculation.
Key Points:
- Elon Musk refutes AI-generated claim that he "took" Stephen Miller’s wife.
- Katie Miller played a major role in Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
- Musk’s relationship with the Millers cooled amid a public feud with Donald Trump.
- Fake screenshots and AI misstatements highlight challenges of misinformation on social media.