Twitter CEO Elon Musk posted a photo of his “bedside table” featuring a few odd decorations – including a pair of non-firing guns, a Buddhist amulet and multiple cans of Diet Coke.
The billionaire’s photo included a non-firing replica of George Washington’s flintlock pistol, lying in a wooden box whose open lid displayed an image of Emanuel Leutze’s painting of the first US president crossing the Delaware River. Lying in front of it was a model replica of a Diamond Back .357 revolver from the Deus Ex: Human Revolution video game.
Next to the guns lay what appeared to be a Tibetan Buddhist amulet known as a Vajra Dorje, used for meditation. The table also had four open cans of caffeine-free Diet Coke and a water bottle.
Want to stream your news? Flash lets you stream 25+ news channels in 1 place. New to Flash? Try 1 month free. Offer available for a limited time only >
To the right of the lamp and behind the water bottle appeared to be a tiny, three-book set of the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, and George Washington’s Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation, published by Applewood Books.
“My bedside table,” Musk captioned the photo. “There is no excuse for my lack of coasters.”
Musk did not provide any other context for the post. It’s unclear if he took the photo or if the table actually belongs to him.
The 51-year-old has a long history of posting provocative tweets – a habit that has drawn increased scrutiny since Musk acquired the platform for $44 billion in October.
Musk has also been open about his views regarding gun ownership. Last May, the tech executive revealed to CNBC that he supports the Second Amendment, though “tight background checks” should be required for all purchases.
“I strongly believe that the right to bear arms is an important safeguard against potential tyranny of government. Historically, maintaining their power over the people is why those in power did not allow public ownership of guns,” Musk told the outlet.
Musk added that he felt the sale of assault weapons should be limited to specific circumstances, such as for those living in a “high risk location, like gang warfare” or gun range owners.
An ongoing overhaul of Twitter’s operations has drawn fierce criticism from Musk’s critics, many of whom argue his “absolutist” approach to free speech will lead to more hate speech and unsafe conduct on the site.
Musk-led initiatives include a much-maligned revamp of Twitter’s verification system and thousands of job cuts.
Earlier this month, the FTX said it was “tracking recent developments at Twitter with deep concern.”
This article was originally published by the New York Post and reproduced with permission