Andrew McIntyre, a British extremist who played a key role in fomenting the UK riots, was sentenced last week to seven years in jail. A day after his conviction, Elon Musk bemoaned McIntyre's sentencing.

Hours after a deadly knife attack in the northern English town of Southport last July, Andrew McIntyre set up a Telegram channel called "Southport Wake Up." Amid posts riddled with anti-Islamic, antisemitic and anti-immigrant abuse, he urged people to take to the streets, directing them to a mosque and calling for "war."

Mr. McIntyre, 39, who took part in two of several riots that rattled Britain last summer, was sentenced to seven years in prison last Monday.

He pleaded guilty to encouraging violent disorder and criminal damage, and to possession of a knife. A day after his conviction, Elon Musk, the billionaire tech mogul, bemoaned Mr. McIntyre's sentencing in a post on his social media platform X, declaring: "Over 7 years prison for social media posts ... Whoever gave that sentence deserves prison themselves."

Mr. Musk's post, which has been viewed 34 million views times, is just one in a flurry of comments he has made about Britain in recent weeks that have included attacks on the governing Labour Party, and that have increasingly echoed far-right talking points laced with disinformation.

While Mr. Musk has used his platform to amplify Tommy Robinson, Britain's most well-known far-right extremist, the tech billionaire has also spoken out in favor of lesser-known figures like Mr. McIntyre. In doing so, Mr. Mulhall said, Mr. Musk voiced support for a neo-Nazi who has previously been a member of fascist groups.

Mr. Musk did not respond to a request for comment.

Your new president folks.