A significant controversy erupted on social media platform Grok following criticism from Peter Navarro, a former advisor to Donald Trump, regarding the platform’s fact-checking of a post concerning India. In response to the criticism, Elon Musk, the platform’s owner, defended the impartiality of Community Notes, although he did not directly address Navarro. Musk stated, “On this platform, the people decide the narrative. You hear all sides of an argument. Community Notes corrects everyone, no exceptions. Notes, data, and code is public source. Grok provides further fact-checking.” The controversy stemmed from Navarro’s renewed criticism of India, accusing the nation of “profiteering” from Russian oil imports. He stated, “FACTS: India highest tariffs costs US jobs. India buys Russian oil purely to profit/Revenues feed Russia war machine. Ukrainians/Russians die. U.S. taxpayers shell out more. India can’t handle truth/spins.” X’s fact-checking notes refuted these claims, asserting that India’s oil purchases were for “energy security” and did not violate sanctions. The notes also highlighted a trade surplus with the US in services and the hypocrisy of the US continuing to import commodities from Russia. Another note added that Navarro’s claims were hypocritical because India’s purchases were legal and didn’t violate international law. X characterized the situation as a “clear double standard,” pointing out the US’s simultaneous pressure on India and its own purchases of commodities from Russia. Navarro dismissed the fact-checking notes and accused Musk of promoting “propaganda” on X. This incident is another instance of Navarro’s persistent criticism of India, which began after the Trump administration imposed tariffs on India for buying oil from Russia, with duties on Indian exports exceeding 50 percent. Navarro has previously referred to the Russia–Ukraine war as “Modi’s war” and accused India of supporting Russia’s military actions with its oil purchases, calling it a “profiteering scheme” and a “laundromat for the Kremlin,” and making a racist remark against India.
