Elon Musk's Temporary Name Change to 'Harry Bolz' Triggers Viral Media Moment

CNN anchor Dana Bash's deadpan reading of Musk's handle sparks widespread online mockery and highlights tensions over his government efficiency role.

Elon Musk briefly changed his X (formerly Twitter) handle to 'Harry Bolz,' a name with a suggestive pun, before reverting it back to his real name.
CNN anchor Dana Bash read the handle on-air during a segment on Musk's controversial government cost-cutting efforts, drawing viral attention and ridicule online.
Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Trump, has faced backlash for his aggressive budget cuts targeting federal programs and contracts.
The incident follows a similar viral moment last week when CNN covered a DOGE staffer with the alias 'Big Balls,' further fueling online mockery of the network.
Critics of CNN and Musk supporters have used the moment to highlight perceived media missteps and amplify Musk's ongoing critiques of traditional journalism.