Television host Jon Stewart provided an update on Thursday, April 24, 2025, regarding his efforts to secure an interview with Elon Musk on “The Daily Show,” stating that the Tesla CEO “ghosted” him after initially agreeing to participate in the program.
The situation started when a user on the social media platform X suggested a conversation between Musk and Stewart following Stewart’s critical remarks about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), during which Stewart accidentally cut his hand with a coffee mug. Musk responded publicly, stating he would agree to an interview if it aired without edits.
“The Daily Show” agreed to Musk’s condition, but the agreement faltered as Musk began to withdraw.
“He said, ‘I’ll come on the show if you air it unedited.’ And we went, ‘Sure, fine. That’s how most of them are, so sure…,'” Stewart noted. “And then he said, ‘You’re propaganda,’ and he started to back away.”
Stewart addressed Musk’s withdrawal on his show, highlighting Musk’s previous political activities, including custom-making a Dark MAGA hat for an Oval Office meeting with President Trump, whom Musk spent $270 million to support. Musk considered Stewart too partisan.
Despite public exchanges, Stewart attempted to pursue the interview privately. “I did DM him,” Stewart mentioned on “The Weekly Show” podcast. “I texted him and just said like, ‘Hey man, so is there somebody I should, you know, have our guys reach out to, to make this happen?’ And I got ghosted.”
Stewart humorously noted that being ignored by Musk, given recent disclosures about Musk’s personal life, was not unusual. Stewart confirmed that Musk had seen his message but did not reply.
This unsuccessful interview effort unfolds amid reports that Musk might be reconsidering his role in government. The Washington Post reports suggest Musk is considering leaving his position at DOGE due to perceived harmful and unethical attacks from political opponents on the left.
One of Stewart’s producers raised this report, to which Stewart responded sarcastically, implying these attacks were likely “completely undeserved.” He referenced Musk’s previous actions, including celebrating job losses for government workers.
Stewart also criticized the Trump administration’s tendency to evade accountability, suggesting that officials, including Musk, display an unprecedented ability to shift responsibility —a behavior Stewart compares unfavorably to even that of his young children.
The controversy arises amidst increasing concerns about Musk’s political engagements and their effects on his business interests. Analysis by Wedbush Securities indicates that Tesla is facing a “code red” moment, as analyst Dan Ives describes, due to brand damage associated with Musk’s involvement with DOGE.
Musk has reportedly been at odds with government officials over several issues, including cost-cutting measures and the appointment of an IRS commissioner. Some agencies have discontinued his policy requiring federal employees to send weekly activity emails.
The entrepreneur’s political activities extend internationally, with European leaders voicing concerns over his support for right-wing, Eurosceptic parties. Musk’s association with President Trump and his role in the administration raise questions about his status as a private citizen or public official, especially concerning his social media platform X.
Musk’s political actions are influencing consumer perceptions of Tesla, with reports of declining sales in key markets like Germany, France, and California, as consumers voice disapproval through boycotts and protests.
Some investors have urged Musk to step down as Tesla’s CEO while remaining on the board, worried that his political activities are diverting attention from his leadership of the electric vehicle company. Ives stresses the link between Musk’s brand and Tesla, stating “Tesla is Musk and Musk is Tesla,” and warns of potential “15-20 percent permanent demand destruction” among prospective buyers.
Meanwhile, Stewart continues with “The Daily Show,” offering his blend of political commentary and humor on the program he returned to after his initial stint from 1999 to 2015.
