Comedian Bill Burr didn’t hold back during his appearance on “The View” Thursday, March 20, 2025, taking aim at Elon Musk and other tech billionaires whom he believes have little concern for Earth’s future.
When co-host Joy Behar asked if anyone was particularly getting on his nerves lately, Burr quickly directed his criticism toward what he called “the nerds” in the tech industry. Burr jokingly referred to the “nerds” owning the politicians and that they are going to take over the world and “replace us.”
Burr specifically targeted Musk, suggesting the billionaire’s space exploration ambitions stem from a desire to abandon Earth rather than preserve it.
He suggested that Elon Musk’s focus on rockets might stem from the belief that there are other habitable planets out there, and the current Earth is being treated carelessly. He implied that those driving this effort show little concern for the planet, planning instead to abandon it and move on to “the next Earth.” Meanwhile, others will be left behind arguing over politics, unaware they’ve been left behind as those responsible “just leave.”
The comedian appeared on the daytime talk show to promote his new stand-up special “Drop Dead Years” and his upcoming Broadway debut in “Glengarry Glen Ross.”
This wasn’t Burr’s first public criticism of Musk. Just days earlier, during an appearance on “The Tonight Show,” he questioned the motivations of billionaires like Musk.
“Billionaires are not happy having a billion dollars,” Burr told host Jimmy Fallon.
Burr’s comments come at a time when Musk has taken on a more prominent role in government affairs. The Tesla, X, and SpaceX owner was appointed by President Donald Trump to lead the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tasked with reducing federal spending.
Throughout his recent press tour for “Drop Dead Years,” Burr has consistently expressed strong opinions about Musk and other tech billionaires, referring to them as “heartless people” who are “competing to be the first trillionaire.”
The comedian has criticized not only Musk’s business practices but also his appearance and public persona, mocking what he perceives as attempts by the billionaire to reframe his origin story. Burr has also questioned why there isn’t more widespread criticism of Musk, suggesting that liberals haven’t done enough to stand up to the billionaire entrepreneur.
At the beginning of his appearance on “The View,” Burr revealed that his wife had concerns about him appearing on the show, given his style of comedy.
“My wife is freaking out that I was coming on the show. She was like, ‘Who the hell booked you on that show?'” Burr said, imitating his wife. “You say all this dumb stuff about women, don’t go on that show.”
Behar reassured Burr that the co-hosts were not “snowflakes” and could handle his brand of humor.
Burr’s criticisms of Musk reflect his broader skepticism toward powerful figures in both the tech and political spheres. During his recent press appearances, he has expressed concern about the influence these “tech nerds” have over politicians and their apparent disregard for societal and environmental issues.
The comedian has suggested that billionaires like Musk are primarily focused on their own interests rather than the common good, accusing them of trying to “keep the water boiling” and potentially causing harm to the country despite its greatness.
Musk’s involvement in politics, which has included a gesture widely compared to a Nazi salute and his role in taking apart federal agencies with President Trump, has especially drawn the comedian’s criticism.
Earlier this month, Burr criticized “that idiot Elon Musk” during an appearance on NPR’s “Fresh Air.” He expressed disbelief, suggesting that Musk could not have made the “Sieg Heil” gesture unintentionally, especially since it occurred twice during the presidential inauguration.
Musk responded to Burr’s comments by tagging the account “IfindRetards” on his social media platform X.
