Billionaire Elon Musk posted a cryptic message on X on Sunday, “No gods or kings, only man.” He captioned the post, “Anyone else think of this yesterday?” The timing was notable, coming just after widespread anti-Trump protests across the United States.
These demonstrations, dubbed the “No Kings” protests, coincided with both President Donald Trump’s birthday and the 250th anniversary of the US Army. Protesters accused Trump of acting like a monarch and undermining democratic values.
Shortly after his initial post, Musk shared a video of a successful SpaceX Starship flight test, again using the phrase “No gods or kings, only man” as the caption. This repetition led to speculation about Musk’s intended message: some interpreted it as an emphasis on human achievement and autonomy, particularly in the context of space exploration, while others saw it as a commentary on leadership and authority, possibly referencing his ongoing public disputes with Trump.
No gods or kings, only men
pic.twitter.com/StNow0bb6R— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 16, 2025
What was Musk’s cryptic post inspired by?
The phrase Musk used is a direct reference to the video game BioShock. In the game, “No gods or kings, only man” is associated with the character Andrew Ryan and the underwater city of Rapture, which is built on the principle of human autonomy and the rejection of higher authorities.
The words famously appear on a red curtain in gold lettering, becoming an iconic symbol for the game’s themes of individualism and self-determination. This phrase has since been widely reproduced in fan art and merchandise, often in an Art Deco style inspired by the game’s design.
Interpretations and public reaction
Musk has not publicly explained the posts, leaving room for speculation. Some observers believe he is highlighting the power of human innovation, especially in the context of his ambitious goals for space travel and colonisation.
Others interpret the posts as a statement about rejecting traditional authority figures or divine oversight, which resonates with Musk’s history of expressing skepticism about organized religion and centralised power. His use of a phrase from BioShock—a game that critiques utopian visions and the dangers of unchecked ambition—adds another layer of complexity to his message.
Musk’s public statements often reflect a secular, self-reliant worldview. He has expressed openness to the idea of a creator but remains skeptical of a personal, moral God who intervenes in human affairs. This perspective aligns with his frequent warnings about the dangers of unchecked technological power and his belief in humanity’s need to shape its own destiny, whether through space colonization or responsible AI development.
One X user commented under trump’s post saying, “waste of millions”.
What a waste of billions
— Gunner (@MonstaGunner) June 16, 2025
