Elon Musk Declares 'War' After Somali-American Student's TikTok Comment

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has ignited a firestorm on social media after responding to a viral TikTok clip from a Somali-American university student, Fardowsa Muhumed, with the ominous declaration: "Then it is war."

The incident stems from a late December 2025 TikTok livestream by Muhumed, a pre-med student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). In the video, she discussed photos of Musk in swim shorts, critiquing his appearance and health. Switching from Somali to English, she stated, "I wouldn’t worry too much about him. He about to die," which many interpreted as a direct threat to the Tesla CEO's life. The clip quickly spread, with critics labeling it a death threat and urging protection for Musk.

Musk, who has been vocal about alleged fraud in Somali-run daycare programs in Minnesota, amplified the video on January 2, 2026, with his "war" response. He also sarcastically referred to the situation with posts like "Wonderful people," which some viewed as targeting Somali communities broadly.

The billionaire's reaction has drawn mixed responses: supporters praised his defiance, while detractors accused him of escalating tensions unnecessarily.

In a follow-up TikTok video released on January 2, Muhumed addressed the backlash, claiming her words were "badly misinterpreted and misheard" and taken out of context from a longer livestream. She explained that the comment was intended to promote body positivity and kindness toward aging, not to threaten harm.

"If you told me a week ago that my name and Elon Musk’s name were being voiced in the same breath, I wouldn’t believe you," she said, expressing fear for her future amid the controversy.

Muhumed, a KIPP Kansas City alum and reported refugee, has faced online harassment, including doxxing of her personal information and threats against her safety.

Prominent figures have weighed in. Utah Senator Mike Lee called for Muhumed's immediate deportation if she is not a U.S. citizen, stating, "Deport her immediately. She shouldn't be here."

Conservative outlets like The Western Journal, Townhall, and The Gateway Pundit have highlighted the incident, framing it as part of broader concerns over immigration and online threats. Critics on the left have accused Musk and his supporters of provoking victimhood narratives.

Some Somali speakers have defended Muhumed, arguing that the Somali portions of the video provide context, translating her words as commentary on Musk's age and wealth rather than a literal threat. However, detractors point out that the English phrase was deliberate and unambiguous.

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UMKC has not issued a public statement on the matter, though online petitions demand an investigation into Muhumed's conduct.