“Elon Musk Drops Bombshells on Joe Rogan Podcast: DOGE, Space & More!”
Elon Musk joined Joe Rogan for a three-hour podcast on Thursday, just a day after speaking at President Donald Trump’s first Cabinet meeting, where he promoted federal job cuts led by the Department of Government Efficiency.
Musk first teased the appearance early Friday morning on X, writing, “Just did a long @JoeRogan episode.” The SpaceX and Tesla CEO has been a frequent guest on Rogan’s show, previously appearing in May and June 2024, November 2024, and first in September 2018. This latest episode, released Friday afternoon on Rogan’s YouTube channel, marks Musk’s first visit since taking on his role as Trump’s adviser and DOGE overseer.
Musk on Government Cuts and Death Threats
Musk and Trump’s efforts to shrink the federal workforce have sparked both praise and backlash. During Thursday’s Cabinet meeting, Musk revealed he has received numerous death threats.
“They actually want to kill me,” he told Rogan.
AI, Conspiracies, and Controversies
The episode kicks off with Musk and Rogan joking about misinformaltion spreading across both political parties and how Musk’s Grok AI is making things “weirder and weirder.”
At one point, Rogan asks Grok whether all the gold is in Fort Knox. The AI quips, “What are you, a (expletive) conspiracy theorist?”
Musk also addressed recent accusations of being a “Nazi” after making a gesture some compared to a far-right salute.
“It was obviously meant in the most positive spirit possible,” Musk said. “Now I can never point at things diagonally.”
The conversation covered a range of topics, from AI to cryptocurrency, making it another must-watch episode of The Joe Rogan Experience.
Elon Musk Talks DOGE, Government Spending, and Astronaut Rescue on Joe Rogan Podcast
Elon Musk’s latest appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience covered everything from DOGE’s impact on government power to national debt, space missions, and controversial FBI documents.
Musk on DOGE and Government Reform
Musk explained how DOGE is giving elected officials more control over bureaucracy, which he believes will “restore power to the people.” He also addressed concerns over government spending, calling it “fraudulent,” and highlighted DOGE’s efforts to reduce the national debt.
“The interest on the national debt exceeds the defense department budget, which is truly outstanding,” Musk stated.
Astronaut Rescue and Epstein Files
Musk and Rogan also discussed the situation involving NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who remain on the International Space Station. Musk’s role in their potential return was a key point in the conversation.
Additionally, they touched on recently released FBI documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, though details were sparse.
Where to Watch
The full episode is available on The Joe Rogan Experience YouTube and Spotify pages.
Musk and Rogan’s Political Shift
Both Musk and Rogan previously leaned Democrat but later endorsed Trump in 2024.
Musk confirmed in a July interview with Jordan Peterson that he voted for Joe Biden in 2020, supported Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, and backed Hillary Clinton in 2016. However, he later shifted his stance, saying, “There are flaws on both sides.”
Rogan initially endorsed Bernie Sanders in 2020 and later supported Robert F. Kennedy Jr. before ultimately backing Trump. Despite his endorsement, Rogan has still criticized Trump, once saying after a 2024 debate that the former president was “funny like a comic” but “underprepared.”
Musk’s Role in the Trump Administration
While many believed Musk was running DOGE after being appointed by Trump in November, the White House recently clarified that Amy Gleason is the acting administrator. Musk, instead, serves as a senior adviser to Trump.
Rallies Against Musk and Trump
Protests against Musk and Trump have intensified, led by the 50501 Movement and other groups.
In a statement, 50501 said, “We witness, with growing alarm, how our constitutional rights are trampled upon and how power is being consolidated for personal gain.”
With political tensions rising, Musk’s influence in the government remains a focal point of debate.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Elon Musk joins Joe Rogan podcast to discuss DOGE, astronauts, more: Here’s what to know