Royal Society Urges Elon Musk to Consider Resignation Amid Controversies

In a significant development, the Royal Society has suggested that Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, consider resigning from his fellowship due to his perceived inaction against the Trump administration's detrimental impact on scientific research. The recommendation was made by Sir Paul Nurse, the president-elect of the Royal Society, following a series of controversial actions and statements made by Musk that have raised concerns among the scientific community.

The Royal Society, established in 1660, is the United Kingdom's leading national academy of sciences. Musk was elected as a fellow in 2018 for his contributions to the electric vehicle and space industries. However, recent events have led to growing discontent among its members regarding Musk's alignment with the organization's values. In particular, his leadership of the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been accused of slashing research funding and imposing censorship within academia, has become a focal point of criticism.

According to an email revealed by Sir Adrian Smith, the current president of the Royal Society, Nurse initially reached out to Musk on March 19, 2025, expressing concerns over the "extensive damage" the Trump administration was inflicting on scientific integrity in the United States. Nurse urged Musk to intervene, stating that he should consider if he was able to support science or if he should resign from the prestigious fellowship. Musk’s response, emphasizing his commitment to science, lacked engagement with the specific issues raised.

The growing outcry from fellows and scientists stems from Musk's perceived negligence of the Royal Society's code of conduct, which aims to uphold the integrity of scientific discourse and research. This discontent was further amplified by a series of open letters from fellows demanding action, along with resignations and the return of awards in protest against the society’s inaction.

In a subsequent letter dated May 20, Nurse reiterated his concerns, highlighting the nonsensical nature of some proposed budget reductions by the administration. Despite Nurse’s efforts to engage Musk and address these critical issues, he received no further response, prompting the suggestion that Musk might want to reconsider his fellowship.

The Royal Society's decision to refrain from pursuing disciplinary action against Musk has sparked divided opinions among its members. Some fellows view this as an act of cowardice, fearing that inaction could undermine the society’s credibility and commitment to its core values. Stephen Curry, an emeritus professor at Imperial College London, criticized the society for not taking a firmer stance, stating that Musk's lack of commitment to the society's values should have warranted a termination of his fellowship.

Conversely, some fellows expressed concern that censure could raise questions about the positions of others within the society who have also voiced controversial opinions. The internal debate underscores the broader tension within the scientific community regarding the intersection of politics and research funding.

As the situation unfolds, the implications for both Musk and the Royal Society remain to be seen. The ongoing discourse surrounding the responsibilities of scientific leaders in political contexts raises important questions about the future of research funding and the integrity of scientific institutions.

In summary, the Royal Society's suggestion to Musk reflects a critical moment in the interplay between science and politics, challenging the institution to uphold its standards while navigating the complexities introduced by influential figures in the tech industry.