A candid conversation between tech mogul Elon Musk and podcast host Joe Rogan unveils growing concerns about personal safety amid mounting media controversies.
According to GB News, the Tesla CEO expressed fears of potential assassination attempts during his recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, citing mainstream media accusations of Nazi sympathies and his work with the Department of Government Efficiency.
During the February 28 podcast episode, Musk addressed the controversial moment during Donald Trump's inauguration where he was accused of making a Nazi salute to Republican supporters. The 53-year-old entrepreneur detailed how this incident, combined with his efforts to combat government corruption, has led to increased death threats and public animosity.
Previous assassination attempts against Musk surface
The SpaceX founder revealed that two separate individuals had previously attempted to harm him in Austin, Texas. Both perpetrators were arrested and held in Travis County jail, though they were later released on bail. These incidents occurred before Musk's involvement in politics and the subsequent media controversies.
Musk emphasized that one of the would-be attackers believed he had implanted a chip in their head, while the other openly identified as "chief serial killer" on social media. These cases highlighted the increasing risks faced by high-profile public figures.
The tech entrepreneur explained how increased media exposure correlates with potential threats from unstable individuals. He noted that frequent mentions of his name in mainstream media have placed him at greater risk.
Media portrayal sparks safety concerns
Musk shared his thoughts about the impact of media representation on his personal safety:
They actually want to kill me. They say so online. There are Reddit forums where they don't just want to kill me, they want to desecrate my corpse.
The billionaire drew parallels between his current situation and the media treatment of former President Donald Trump. He expressed particular concern about his upcoming visits to Washington DC, where his anti-corruption efforts might provoke desperate reactions from those affected by his reforms.
The Department of Government Efficiency's initiatives to reduce corruption have added another layer of risk to Musk's public profile. He admitted that pushing too hard against established interests could have severe consequences.
Government corruption investigations raise stakes
Musk detailed the delicate balance required in addressing governmental misconduct:
We attack the corruption enough to keep civilisation trucking along but if I fully destroy the corruption and the graft, they will kill me. I strive to be alive. But it's a real concern.
His work with the Department of Government Efficiency has placed him in a precarious position. The Tesla CEO acknowledged the need to moderate his approach to avoid provoking violent responses from those whose financial interests might be threatened.
The anti-corruption efforts have particularly heightened tensions, as Musk suggested that desperate individuals might resort to violence if their livelihoods are affected by his reforms.
Tech titan navigates mounting threats
Elon Musk, the 53-year-old CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, continues to face increasing security concerns stemming from mainstream media portrayals and his anti-corruption work with the Department of Government Efficiency. The combination of Nazi accusations following Trump's inauguration and his efforts to reform government practices has led to multiple death threats and two previous assassination attempts. As Musk prepares for future visits to Washington, DC, he maintains a cautious approach to his anti-corruption initiatives while acknowledging the serious risks to his personal safety.
