You Should Care About Musk’s Gaming Fumble

Driving a Bigger Narrative That Could Erode His MAGA Support

Elon Musk’s latest scandal—falsely claiming a top rank in the online game Path of Exile 2—might seem trivial at first glance. But it’s much more than a gaming blunder. It’s a crack in the carefully constructed facade shielding Musk from scrutiny—and a rare wedge issue that could deepen the rift between Musk and his MAGA base.

For anyone frustrated by the lies, hypocrisy, and unchecked influence of figures like Musk, this is a moment to act. By understanding the significance of this scandal and using it strategically in conversations, especially with MAGA supporters, you can help expand that crack into a fracture.

This isn’t just about gaming. It’s about accountability, integrity, and the power of repetition in shaping public opinion.

The Lie That Sparked the Fissure

Musk’s claim of achieving a top rank in Path of Exile 2 quickly fell apart under scrutiny. For gamers, who pride themselves on the meritocratic nature of their community, this is a betrayal of the culture they hold dear.

What should have been a minor embarrassment escalated when Musk livestreamed the game, revealing an apparent lack of even basic gameplay knowledge. Gamers noticed that Musk struggled with fundamental mechanics like inventory and resource management—skills any highly ranked player would have mastered.

It didn’t take long for the gaming community to connect the dots. Many speculated, with increasing evidence, that Musk had paid a highly skilled player to run his character to achieve the high rank he claimed. Videos analyzing his livestream highlighted glaring inconsistencies between his gameplay and what would be expected of a top-tier player.

What might have been dismissed as a simple gaming faux pas became something much bigger. Musk’s MAGA-heavy base shares gamers' love of meritocracy, and they didn’t miss the lie. In a world where skill and honesty are paramount, Musk exposed himself as a fraud.

This isn’t just a stumble; it is a direct challenge to the values his supporters hold closest. And the backlash was swift, fueled by the community’s relentless scrutiny and the inescapable truth that Musk’s gaming persona, much like his public persona, is built on illusion.

Retaliation: Musk’s Free Speech Hypocrisy

Rather than owning up to his falsehood, Musk lashed out at critics in a way that reveals his fragility and hypocrisy. Zack Hoyt (a.k.a. Asmongold), a major gaming influencer with millions of followers, questioned Musk’s claims publicly. Musk retaliated swiftly and vindictively:

1. Leaking Private DMs: Musk weaponized private messages to discredit Hoyt, violating a fundamental expectation of privacy.

2. Revoking a Blue Check: Musk removed Hoyt’s verified status on X (formerly Twitter), a petty act that underscores Musk’s thin skin and authoritarian impulses.

This behavior isn’t new. Musk has shown the same pattern before, most notably during the H1B visa controversy, where far-right activist Laura Loomer criticized his hiring practices. Musk responded not only by attacking her publicly but also by revoking her Blue Check, effectively demonetizing her account, and suspending it for 12 hours.

These actions expose a clear double standard: Musk claims to champion free speech but uses his platform to silence and punish critics who threaten his image. His hypocrisy—claiming to uphold open dialogue while stifling dissent—directly contradicts the populist ideals MAGA supporters hold dear.

A Pattern of Betrayal

Musk’s Path of Exile lie and retaliatory tactics fit a larger, damning pattern.

• The H1B Scandal: Musk claimed to support American workers, yet used immigration policies to hire cheaper labor, alienating the MAGA base’s anti-immigration bloc.

• Tesla and Mars Promises: Musk has repeatedly overpromised and underdelivered on self-driving cars and Mars colonization, eroding trust even among his loyalists.

• Weaponizing X: His selective enforcement of "free speech" policies on X proves he values control over principle.

Each betrayal chips away at Musk’s carefully curated image, exposing him as a manipulative elitist rather than a populist ally.

The Wedge Opportunity

Here’s why it matters: MAGA’s base, particularly young men who play games like Path of Exile, are watching closely. They’ve already begun questioning Musk’s sincerity. That doubt is the wedge—and it’s up to us to make sure it stays open.

1. Repetition Drives the Narrative
   MAGA itself thrives on repeating its key talking points until they stick. We must do the same. Every time Musk’s lies, or retaliatory tactics are mentioned, it reinforces the idea that he’s a fraud unworthy of their trust.

2. Link the Lies
   Tie Musk’s gaming scandal to his broader pattern of betrayal. Use his H1B hypocrisy and Tesla’s failures as further proof that Musk’s interests don’t align with his supporters’. The more connections we make, the clearer his duplicity becomes.

3. Exploit the Values Disconnect
   MAGA supporters value meritocracy, free speech, and loyalty to the "little guy." Musk has violated all three. By highlighting these failures, we can widen the gap between Musk and his base.

This isn’t just about Musk. It’s a blueprint for how to erode the influence of other figures who rely on cults of personality to shield themselves from accountability.

Conclusion: Don’t Miss the Moment

Elon Musk has built his empire on illusion: the illusion of genius, integrity, and alignment with populist values. The Path of Exile scandal exposes cracks in that illusion—and it’s up to us to ensure those cracks deepen.

Gamers, MAGA supporters, and the broader public are watching. This is the moment to hammer home the truth about Musk’s hypocrisy, using repetition and strategic framing to dismantle his credibility. The wedge is already there. The question is whether we’re bold enough to take advantage of it—and whether we’re willing to keep pushing until it breaks.

Let this be a lesson: every scandal, every lie, every petty act of retaliation is an opportunity. And if we seize them, we can reshape the narrative—not just about Musk, but about the systems that enable figures like him to thrive.

You’re already part of this change by reading The American Manifesto. If this message resonates, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Help us keep this conversation alive, growing our voice and spreading the message. If you believe in this mission, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support ensures this message remains free, independent, and unyielding in the fight for accountability.

The fissure is widening. Don’t let it close.