Musk's UK purchase estimated at $18–20 trillion
Economist Binson Wang estimated the hypothetical cost of purchasing the United Kingdom for Elon Musk at 13–15 trillion pounds sterling, or about 18–20 trillion dollars, calling it a conservative lower bound that excludes many assets. Musk had previously commented on a satirical article claiming he bought Britain to protect free speech.
Consensus
- Elon Musk expressed interest in purchasing the United Kingdom after a satirical article claimed he had done so.
- The estimated cost of the UK for Musk is 13–15 trillion pounds sterlin, or approximately 18–20 trillion US dollars.
- The estimate is based on the UK's net national wealth and is described as a conservative lower bound.
- The estimate does not include land, real estate, infrastructure, natural resources, or other assets.
- The economist, Binson Wang from the University of Sheffield, stated that simple addition of assets would lead to double-counting due to financial interdependencies.
- Musk previously referred to the UK as a 'prison island' following reports of over 12,000 arrests in 2023 for social media comments.
Points of divergence
- The estimate of 13–15 trillion pounds is described as a lower bound that does not account for many factors, and the actual cost would exceed this range. — vm
- The estimate of 13–15 trln pounds is presented as a conservative benchmark for accounting purposes, not as a real purchase price. — vesti
Coverage (2 sources)
- Economist Van: Buying Britain will cost Musk 18-20 trillion dollars — Вечерняя Москва
- Economist assessed the UK for Musk — Вести
Key entities
- Elon Musk
- Great Britain
- Бинсон Ван
- Шеффилдского университета
- Moscow
- Elon Musk
- RIA Novosti
- Britain
- Babylon Bee
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