Elon Musk’s Departure from South Africa: A Look into His Draft Dodger Past

In 2025, cuts by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency led to backlash from veterans, with Musk criticized as a “draft dodger.” He has openly stated his departure from South Africa was partially to avoid military service during apartheid, a fact corroborated in interviews and biographies.

In early 2025, during the administration of Trump adviser Elon Musk, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) introduced cuts to the Veterans Affairs (VA) agency, sparking considerable backlash from military veterans due to disruptions in service. Posts on social media criticized Musk, branding him as a “draft dodger” due to his history of leaving South Africa to avoid military conscription during the apartheid era.

Social media commentary included remarks from an X user who referenced Grok, an AI chatbot, stating, “Elon Musk is a draft dodger according to Grok! My brother spent a year in a South African prison as a conscientious objector—eating worm-infested porridge—against apartheid when he was conscripted. Who is Elon Musk to criticize any veteran?” Musk himself has publicly stated that he departed South Africa in part to escape compulsory military service, asserting he would not participate in an apartheid regime.

In a 2013 interview with actor Rainn Wilson, Musk confirmed, “I left at 17. Well, in part, in order to avoid conscription in the army.” He elaborated, stating, “Spending two years suppressing Black people doesn’t seem to be a great use of time,” which highlights his sentiments against participating in the military at that time.

In his biography, journalist Ashlee Vance details that Musk, before leaving South Africa, engaged in minimal academic effort to evade military service and subsequently dropped out of school. Musk often cites two reasons for his decision to leave: a desire to reach the United States quickly, utilizing his Canadian ancestry, and a profound opposition to the military service required under apartheid.

It is noteworthy that Musk briefly attended the University of Pretoria for five months while he awaited his Canadian documentation, an experience he has downplayed. This phase of his life undermines the narrative of an adventurous youth, as he was primarily focused on avoiding conscription rather than pursuing academic excellence.

From 1967, compulsory military service in South Africa mandated that all white men starting at age 16 serve for nine months, later extending to two years and additional annual commitments. This practice continued until the abolition of military conscription in the 1990s following the end of apartheid.

In conclusion, Elon Musk’s departure from South Africa was significantly influenced by his desire to avoid military conscription, a stance he has reiterated multiple times. His actions, alongside the recent cuts to the VA agency, have led to public scrutiny and criticism. The contrast between his past and present has led to the label of ‘draft dodger,’ challenging his credibility when addressing issues concerning military veterans.

Original Source: www.snopes.com