Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and CEO of several tech giants, has once again stirred intrigue by changing his name on X (formerly Twitter) to “Kekius Maximus.”
His new profile image adds to the mystery, featuring Pepe the Frog, a meme often linked to far-right groups, dressed in Roman military attire and holding what resembles a game console.
The billionaire, known for his unpredictable online antics, has offered no explanation for the name change or the image. According to a report by the BBC, the move has ignited conversations across various circles, from cryptocurrency enthusiasts to cultural commentators. Musk’s close association with US President-elect Donald Trump has further fueled the speculation surrounding his intentions.
Musk's social media rebranding has had a significant impact on the cryptocurrency market. A memecoin sharing the same name experienced a sharp surge in value following the name change.
The name "Kekius Maximus" appears to be a playful blend of historical and cultural references. "Kek" originated as a gamer term equivalent to "laugh out loud" and has since been adopted by some alt-right circles. In Egyptian mythology, Kek is the god of darkness, often represented with a frog’s head—a detail some see as an intentional nod to Pepe.
Meanwhile, "Maximus" is often associated with Russell Crowe’s character in the movie “Gladiator,” Maximus Decimus Meridius, a symbol of resilience and leadership. The Roman-style depiction of Pepe in Musk’s profile image seems to tie into this theme of classical grandeur.
As is often the case with Musk, interpretations of his actions vary widely. Whether this is a calculated move or another instance of Musk's enigmatic humor, the change has succeeded in grabbing global attention.