Ryanair Boss Firmly Rejects Elon Musk's Takeover Tease and Launches Scathing Attack on Social Media
Ryanair's outspoken chief executive, Michael O'Leary, has delivered a characteristically blunt dismissal of Elon Musk's suggestion that he might buy the budget airline. The Tesla and X owner recently created a poll on his social media platform, asking followers whether he should purchase Ryanair and "restore Ryan as their rightful ruler."
EU Ownership Rules Make Musk Takeover 'Not Possible'
Speaking at a press conference in Dublin, O'Leary was unequivocal in his response. "We have an obligation to have a majority, to remain European owned and controlled," he stated. "So it would not be possible for Elon Musk, even if he wanted to, to acquire Ryanair." This firm rebuttal highlights the regulatory barriers that would prevent such a move, regardless of Musk's whimsical online antics.
Social Media Branded a 'Cesspit' in Fiery Critique
The exchange prompted O'Leary to launch a broader and highly critical assessment of the social media landscape. When questioned about his online spat with Musk and the state of platform X, the Ryanair boss did not hold back. "All social media is a cesspit," he declared, reserving particular scorn for TikTok, which he labelled "the greatest amount of rubbish I've ever seen."
O'Leary called for governments, particularly in Europe, to take decisive action. His primary demand was for the removal of anonymity online. He cited a litany of serious issues plaguing platforms:
- Nudification of individuals without consent
- The proliferation of child pornography
- Content promoting suicide ideation
- Keyboard warriors issuing death threats to politicians
"Do it under your own name, at least you're protecting freedom of speech," he argued, suggesting that accountability would help "tidy that crap up." He confirmed he is not personally on X and has had no direct contact with Elon Musk, characterising the billionaire's behaviour as "rants and raves."
Starlink Discussions and Personal Barbs Continue
The public disagreement between the two business figures originated from a debate over installing Musk's Starlink satellite internet on Ryanair aircraft. O'Leary had previously branded Musk "an idiot" over the issue. While he confirmed that Ryanair had met with Starlink representatives, he stated the technology is currently not cost-effective for the airline, though he "would not rule out" its future use.
In a typically colourful retort to Musk's insults, O'Leary showed his trademark thick skin. "If he wants to call me an idiot he won't be the first, and he certainly won't be the last... But if it helps to boost Ryanair's sales you can insult me all day, every day," he quipped. Demonstrating his irreverent approach, Ryanair even sent a free ticket to X's Dublin offices as part of its "Big Idiot seat sale."
Drawing on his home life for perspective, O'Leary added, "I've four teenage children - there's nothing Elon Musk can say to me that my kids haven't already said." He also firmly rejected the idea of purchasing a Tesla, stating his favourite mode of transport was "a tractor."
Broader Commentary on US-EU Trade Relations
Beyond the personal feud, O'Leary used the platform to comment on wider geopolitical issues. He warned of a potential trade war between the US and the EU, urging Europe to adopt a more "belligerent" foreign policy stance. He suggested that if a Trump administration threatened tariffs, Europe should respond in kind, predicting such a move would cause the US to back down.
This comprehensive press conference saw the Ryanair CEO blend corporate defence, scathing social commentary, and geopolitical analysis, all delivered with his signature provocative style.
