Prince Harry took aim at leadership across political and tech sectors during an unannounced speech at the Upfront Summit in Los Angeles, warning that "basic morals and empathy" had been abandoned in favor of "power and control." While he did not name specific individuals, the remarks have been widely interpreted as a veiled criticism of Donald Trump and Elon Musk, two of the most powerful figures in U.S. business and politics.
His comments come as the Duke of Sussex's U.S. visa status remains under legal scrutiny, with the Heritage Foundation filing a lawsuit questioning whether Harry had properly disclosed past drug use on his immigration application. The lawsuit follows his 2023 memoir, Spare, in which he admitted to using cocaine, marijuana, and psychedelic drugs in his youth.
During his speech, Harry stated, "Now this would be a great time to talk about how a sickness in leadership across sectors - from politics to tech - can have a detrimental effect on millions, if not billions, of people." He added, "When service to others is sacrificed for personal gain. When basic morals and empathy are abandoned in favor of power and control. But I'm not gonna get into all that now."
His remarks drew immediate reactions online, with social media users questioning whether he was taking aim at Trump and Musk, both of whom have made sweeping policy changes impacting government efficiency and job cuts. "Did Prince Harry just take a dig at Trump and Musk?" one user posted. Another speculated, "If he continues to make veiled swipes at Trump and interferes politically, Trump could notify the proper agencies to deport him."
Trump, who has previously expressed hostility toward Harry and Meghan Markle, had earlier suggested he might look into deporting the prince, citing his visa status. However, in a recent interview, Trump dismissed the idea, stating, "I don't want to do that. I'll leave him alone. He's got enough problems with his wife. She's terrible."
Markle, 42, has reportedly been concerned about the legal uncertainty surrounding Harry's immigration status. A source close to the couple told RadarOnline, "Harry's worried about deportation happening, he's worried about leaving. Meghan fears Harry having to leave the U.S. too. They're both feeling very unsettled right now."
In addition to his broader leadership critique, Harry used his speech to urge social media companies to address misinformation, calling on "those with positions of influence" to act responsibly. The prince has long advocated for stronger digital protections, previously warning that tech giants prioritize engagement over safety, often at the expense of children's well-being.
This is not the first time Harry has indirectly referenced Musk. During a 2023 visit to Colombia, he warned about the dangers of misinformation spreading rapidly on social media, stating, "What happens online within a matter of minutes transfers to the streets."
Trump and Musk have been vocal critics of media narratives surrounding leadership and influence, with Musk frequently arguing that traditional media outlets and political figures distort information to fit their agendas. Trump, meanwhile, remains a polarizing figure in U.S. politics as he prepares for another presidential campaign.
Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan have been navigating growing challenges in their post-royal careers. Their $20 million Spotify deal collapsed, and their Netflix documentary projects have faced setbacks. Most recently, Markle rebranded her lifestyle brand from American Riviera Orchard to As Ever, following a trademark rejection from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Despite uncertainties, Harry remains vocal about his mission. "Since then, while my charities remain a core part of my life's work, I've also been focusing on upstream solutions and prevention," he told the audience at the Upfront Summit. "I've seen firsthand how technology can bring people together, but more often how it can divide and harm them - especially our children."
