Elon Musk is pushing back hard after former Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) launched a string of personal attacks against him during a CNN appearance, including labeling him a “Nazi” and a “thief.” Musk responded online Friday night, announcing he plans to sue, saying, “I’ve had enough. Lawsuit inbound.”

Bowman’s remarks were made during a heated exchange with another panelist on CNN where the former congressman accused Musk of lacking the qualifications for his leadership role in the Trump administration. He claimed Musk had overseen mass firings and said courts had ordered employees be rehired.

The controversial moment came when Bowman declared Musk to be both incompetent and untrustworthy, adding the two slurs that have now prompted threats of legal action. Musk’s legal intentions are not yet fully detailed, but defamation is a likely route.

🚨 #BREAKING: Elon Musk just announced he’s filing a lawsuit after disgraced former Rep. Jamaal Bowman called him a “thief” and a “NAZl” on CNN

“I’ve had enough. Lawsuit inbound,” Elon said

HELL YES! Sue them into the Stone Age!

Elon’s going to end up OWNING CNN 🤣🔥 pic.twitter.com/UGyz5cvoS5

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) March 22, 2025

Bowman, who once aligned himself with the far-left “Squad,” lost his seat last summer in a Democratic primary to Rep. George Latimer (D-NY). His loss followed a series of incidents that drew criticism, including his vocal opposition to Israel and a censure from the House in 2023 for pulling a fire alarm during budget negotiations.

JUST IN: Elon Musk announced he is launching a lawsuit after former Rep. Jamaal Bowman called him a “thief” and a “Nazi” on live TV pic.twitter.com/8cRvhYwvvN

— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) March 22, 2025

CNN anchor Abby Phillips distanced the network from Bowman’s outburst, stating during the segment that his opinions were his own. However, some conservatives argue that the network may share responsibility for airing what they call defamatory comments without pushback.

Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) and journalist Andy Ngo both voiced support for Musk. Ngo noted that accusing someone of a crime on national television without challenge can create legal trouble, not just for the speaker but for the network itself.

Musk has previously been the target of accusations regarding a supposed “Nazi salute” during Inauguration Day celebrations. He denied the claim and received backing from the Anti-Defamation League, which called the gesture awkward but not intentional.

Musk’s mother, Maye Musk, has urged him in the past to take legal action over false claims, including the salute accusation.