Elon Musk Adopts 'Kekius Maximus' Persona on X, Fueling Crypto Surge and Controversy

The billionaire's name change and use of Pepe the Frog imagery prompt discussions on internet culture, cryptocurrency, and far-right associations.

Elon Musk changed his display name on X to 'Kekius Maximus' and updated his profile picture to Pepe the Frog in Roman armor holding a video game controller.
The name 'Kekius Maximus' combines references to the meme term 'kek,' Roman culture, and the character Maximus Decimus Meridius from the movie Gladiator.
Pepe the Frog, while initially a benign meme, has been associated with far-right groups and hate symbols, raising questions about Musk's intentions.
The value of the Kekius Maximus cryptocurrency memecoin skyrocketed by over 1,400% following Musk's profile update, though his involvement with the coin remains unclear.
Musk, who is set to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency under President-elect Donald Trump, has faced criticism for his alignment with controversial political and cultural symbols.