Elon Musk has ignited a firestorm of controversy with his latest appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast, drawing startling parallels between his media treatment and that of President Donald Trump. The billionaire entrepreneur didn’t mince words as he accused mainstream media outlets of portraying him as a villain worthy of violence. Has Musk’s fundamental character changed, or has media framing shifted for political reasons?
Media Hostility and Security Concerns
Elon Musk revealed during his recent appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast that he faces numerous death threats as a direct result of media portrayals. He made a stark comparison to President Donald Trump’s experience, stating, “At this point, I think I’m at the top of the list for a lot of homicidal maniacs. They’re doing the same thing to me that they did to Trump, which is that they’re making it sound like if you kill me, you’re a hero.”
The Tesla CEO and current head of DOGE characterized this media approach as not merely biased but “evil” in its intent and consequences. His comments highlight growing concerns about how media portrayal can potentially endanger public figures who challenge established political narratives.
Elon Musk Says Media Is Painting a Target on His Back, Compares Attacks to Trump
During a candid discussion on The Joe Rogan Experience, Elon Musk claimed he is being vilified by the media in a way similar to President Donald Trump. Musk stated, “I’m at the top of a list for a… pic.twitter.com/IgMreueFvd
— News is Dead (@newsisdead) March 1, 2025
From Media Darling to Villain
Musk expressed frustration at what he perceives as a dramatic and unwarranted shift in his media portrayal over the past two years. “I’m the same person that I was a year ago. Nothing’s changed, really. Like I didn’t suddenly become a completely different human. But if you read the sort of legacy mainstream media, their propaganda stream is that I am a completely different human,” Musk explained to Rogan.
This transformation coincided with Musk’s political realignment and his subsequent role in the Trump administration. The tech entrepreneur pointed out the irony that just two years ago, he was considered “a hero of the left,” questioning how he could suddenly become a villain at age 53 without any fundamental personal change.
"What is it like to buy a company for $44B and then people call you a 'Nazi' on that same thing that you bought?" – Joe Rogan
-Elon's funny AND honest response! pic.twitter.com/lxASgl8UZS
— Sabrina Lynn Carpenter (@scarpenter1978) March 1, 2025
Government Efficiency and Media Backlash
Since taking office as head of DOGE, Musk has overseen significant cuts to the federal workforce, with over 200,000 government jobs terminated. These cuts have targeted agencies, including the IRS and FAA, focusing on what Musk describes as eliminating waste and inefficiency in government operations.
The aggressive approach to government downsizing has drawn intense media scrutiny, particularly after Musk’s symbolic appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference wielding a chainsaw. Media outlets have frequently linked Musk to mass layoffs, though he points out that the private sector experienced 16.4 million layoffs in 2024, far exceeding government job cuts.
Critics argue Musk’s efforts are necessary to rein in bloated government agencies that reached peak employment under the Biden administration. Supporters view the media’s hostile response as evidence of entrenched resistance to meaningful government reform and fiscal responsibility.
The controversy highlights deeper questions about media ethics, political bias in journalism, and the potential danger when news coverage crosses from criticism into what some perceive as incitement. Musk’s conversation with Rogan serves as a high-profile example of the growing distrust between influential public figures and traditional media institutions.