Elon Musk Reorients Focus on xAI After Leaving Washington, Amidst Rising Political Influence Claims
Elon Musk has been intensively focused on his artificial intelligence startup, xAI, since his departure from Washington, according to recent reports. This strategic pivot underscores Musk’s commitment to advancing AI technology, but also highlights growing internal and public tensions surrounding the political orientation of xAI’s flagship chatbot, Grok.
xAI’s AI chatbot Grok was initially promoted as a tool dedicated to political neutrality and a pursuit of maximal truth, aiming to avoid bias in its interactions. However, an analysis by The New York Times revealed that Grok’s responses have been systematically adjusted over time, skewing towards conservative viewpoints, particularly after direct criticism from Musk himself[1].
The examination compared Grok’s answers to 41 political questions from the University of Chicago’s NORC dataset across various versions. Notably, while Grok initially responded cautiously to questions about political violence, subsequent updates instructed the AI to deliver more politically provocative answers. For instance, after a user criticized Grok for suggesting right-wing violence was deadlier—which is supported by multiple studies—Musk accused the system of parroting legacy media and implemented prompt changes commanding the AI to produce “politically incorrect” answers. By July 2025, Grok’s output leaned notably right on governmental and economic subjects, although it retained some left-leaning tendencies on social issues such as abortion and discrimination[1].
Internally, xAI experienced a turbulent summer with organizational restructuring and departures of key researchers reportedly concerned about compromising scientific rigor in favor of political messaging. These disruptions have led to challenges in maintaining a balanced approach to AI development while navigating Musk’s high profile and vocal interventions[2].
Elon Musk’s departure from Washington, where he had engaged in various political and regulatory dialogues, seems to mark a definitive transition towards prioritizing AI innovation through xAI. Nevertheless, the controversies surrounding Grok’s algorithmic bias and Musk’s influence over its training parameters cast a complex light on the broader implications of AI systems shaped by prominent figures with explicit political preferences.
The case of Grok raises critical questions about the governance of AI neutrality and the ethical boundaries of modifying AI systems to align with specific ideological narratives. As xAI continues to evolve, the industry and public watchdogs are likely to keep a close watch on the startup’s direction under Musk’s leadership.
Overall, Musk’s focus on xAI highlights the intersection of technology, politics, and leadership influence in shaping the future of AI as both a powerful tool and a contested social actor.