Elon Musk has ignited a storm of outrage after expressing interest in a controversial theory that advocates for a "Republic of high-status males." This theory, which he shared on X, implies that only those categorized as "high-status males" or "aneurotypical individuals" should be granted a voice in democracy, explicitly excluding women and men with low testosterone levels from participation.

The concept first emerged on the online forum 4chan in 2021 and was presented in a post that Musk found noteworthy enough to share with his followers, labeling it an "Interesting observation." The theory claims that free thinkers are exclusively "high testosterone alpha males," and that others, such as women and men with low testosterone, process information through a consensus filter for safety rather than independently. Such claims have been met with widespread derision online, as the terminology used in the theory is criticized for being outdated and offensive.

Despite the lack of clear definitions provided by Musk or the post’s author regarding who qualifies as a "high-status male," it is suggested that this term refers to genetically male individuals with high testosterone. This reference echoes sentiments expressed by controversial figures such as Andrew Tate, who has previously identified himself as a high-status male and claimed that men fitting this profile have distinct social privileges regarding relationships.

The reaction to Musk's post has been predominantly negative, with many users labeling the ideas as outdated and misogynistic. Critics argue that the theory oversimplifies human behavior and marginalizes the contributions of diverse perspectives in society, emphasizing that true leadership values inclusive dialogue over elitism. Musk's history of controversial statements and actions on the platform, along with his commitment to preserving free speech—even when it includes misleading content—further complicates his reputation in the public eye.