Lithuanian MP Dangles Data Centers to Musk After Texas Voters Deliver Clear Message: Democracy Isn’t for Sale
Lithuanian parliamentarian Matas Maldeikis took to X on Thursday with a direct pitch to Elon Musk, framing Texas election results as a rebuke and offering his country as the new home for the billionaire’s AI infrastructure.
“Dear Elon Musk, Texas voters have sent you and Donald Trump a rather clear message,” Maldeikis wrote. “And now that Texas may be preparing to show your data centers the exit, Lithuania is ready to offer them a new home in Europe.”
He followed with a personal invitation: “As a member of Lithuania’s Parliament, I would like to personally invite you to consider Lithuania for your next major AI infrastructure investment. We welcome ambitious investments, disruptive ideas and powerful technology. Lithuania may be smaller than Texas, but in ambition, creativity and opportunity, we are second to none. Not even Texas.”
Maldeikis closed with a promise of Texas-style smoked brisket if Musk visits—then added the condition that has drawn the sharpest reaction: “Just one condition: here, democracy isn’t for sale.”
The post arrives as Texas Democrats claim victories in key races and signal tighter rules on data centers, citing local impacts on power, water, and communities. Musk had poured significant resources into Republican campaigns in the state. Critics quickly called the European overture smug, noting that an invitation wrapped in a lecture about American democracy is an odd way to court investment.