Tesla CEO Elon Musk and podcaster Joe Rogan have publicly criticized MSNBC for a tweet linking fitness enthusiasts with far-right extremism. The tweet, which resurfaced a 2022 opinion piece, asserted a connection between the "far right’s obsession with fitness" and white supremacist ideologies. Musk responded with a tweet mocking the notion, stating, "MSNBC thinks you’re a nazi if you work out lmaooo," garnering millions of views. Rogan, a martial arts practitioner and UFC commentator, simply added, "Being healthy is ‘far right.’ Holy f---."
The original MSNBC article suggested that online "fascist fitness" groups were radicalizing young men by offering health and fitness advice alongside far-right content. The article also cited Adolf Hitler's interest in physical fitness as documented in "Mein Kampf," attempting to draw a parallel between fitness and extremist ideologies. However, the article did acknowledge that fitness is a common hobby enjoyed by many for its physical and mental health benefits.
This isn't the first time the MSNBC article has faced ridicule. In 2022, it was similarly mocked for its claims. Several commentators, including Washington Examiner editor Seth Mandel and Federalist correspondent Tristan Justice, criticized the article's premise. Justice argued that in a nation struggling with obesity, a greater focus on fitness should be encouraged.
