Mad at Trump and Musk? This Guy Took It to a Whole New Level!

A Tennessee man is sitting in jail after allegedly plotting to burn down one of Elon Musk’s AI data centers. His reason? Anger at both the billionaire tech mogul and former President Donald Trump.

Ethan Paul Early, 25, now faces charges of committing an act of terrorism, according to court records. The case unfolded after a concerned friend tipped off authorities, saying Early had been venting about Musk and Trump and had plans to attack the xAI facility in Memphis. Law enforcement quickly stepped in.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, Early had started gathering ingredients to make thermite—a dangerously hot chemical compound often used in welding. But before he could act, his friend talked him down, convincing him to ditch the materials.

When police arrived at Early’s home, he admitted he had spoken to a few friends about wanting to torch the data center. He also confirmed he had purchased supplies to make thermite, saying he felt like he “had to do something” after growing increasingly furious with Musk and Trump.

Early told investigators that he spent time researching how to make the incendiary substance but later realized he had gone “too far down the deep end.” Feeling regret, he said he disposed of everything on Feb. 17.

Now locked up at the Cheatham County Jail, Early’s bond has been set at $500,000. His attorney has not responded to requests for comment.

Musk, who owns Tesla and SpaceX, also leads the Department of Government Efficiency and founded xAI, choosing Memphis as the location for its data hub. While the center has drawn criticism for its massive energy consumption, the affidavit does not specify why Early was so enraged at both Musk and Trump.

Threats against Musk have only increased as his public profile has grown. Earlier this month, an Indiana man was arrested for allegedly posting a series of violent threats against Musk, including a claim that he would “gut” the billionaire and “parade” his “corpse through the streets.”

Authorities are still investigating Early’s case, but his alleged plan serves as another example of how political anger can spiral into something much more dangerous.