Wikipedia’s 2023-2024 annual budget report has revealed that over $50 million of its $177 million budget was allocated to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This revelation has sparked widespread criticism, with calls for users to stop donating to the platform until it disbands its “woke” policies. Among the critics is Elon Musk, owner of X and co-head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), who has voiced strong disapproval of Wikipedia’s editorial practices and its perceived left-wing bias.
Musk’s criticism stems from years of dissatisfaction with Wikipedia’s handling of conservative viewpoints and the labeling of political figures. He has specifically pointed to Wikipedia’s tendency to label individuals on the right as “far-right” and its controversial assertion that President-elect Donald Trump was a “fascist,” a claim that was later retracted after backlash. Musk urged followers on X to “stop donating to Wokepedia until they restore balance to their editing authority.”
The $51.7 million allocated for DEI initiatives comes after years of tension surrounding Wikipedia’s editorial stance. Musk had previously suggested buying the platform for $1 billion, provided it changed its name to “Dickipedia,” as part of his feud with the website over its biases.
Musk and Ramaswamy, both of whom have been vocal about their disdain for DEI, are expected to recommend a reduction in DEI-related spending in federal agencies. Musk has described DEI as “just another word for racism” and declared, “DEI must die.”
