Elon Musk has sparked controversy following remarks he made about President-elect Donald Trump’s 2024 win, calling Trump a “normal person” and crediting his success to a casual, extended podcast approach.
In an interview with Tucker Carlson at Mar-a-Lago, Musk attributed Trump’s appeal to his ability to connect without “talking points” in long-form interviews, such as those with Joe Rogan and Lex Fridman, which Musk believes helped sway independent thinkers.
Musk explained that this “normal” approach set Trump apart from Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Musk suggested would struggle in lengthy podcast formats.
“She’d run out of sequiturs after about 45 minutes,” Musk commented. “But Trump? He’s there with no talking points, just being himself for three hours, no problem.” Musk’s views have stirred strong reactions on social media, with critics accusing him of being “out of touch” with average Americans.
Social Media Backlash and Criticism
Musk’s comments quickly circulated on social media, drawing backlash from users who argued that Trump only appears relatable to people with extraordinary wealth. One user on X (formerly Twitter) remarked, “Trump only appears normal to those who live in extraordinary wealth.” Another added, “Kamala Harris DID do long-form podcast interviews; just not the ones these people listen to.”
Some users further criticized Musk’s perception of “normal,” pointing out policies associated with Trump that they believe infringe upon rights. “If normal means stripping rights from women and minorities, then we need a new normal,” one commenter wrote, capturing a broader frustration.
Musk’s Potential Role in the New Administration
Musk’s support for Trump appears to go beyond words. He was seen with the Trump family at the President’s victory celebration in West Palm Beach, and sources report that Trump may offer Musk a position in his administration.
During his campaign, Trump praised Elon Musk, suggesting he might take on a new role focused on “cost-cutting.” A senior Ukrainian official also confirmed Musk’s presence during a recent congratulatory call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, hinting at Musk’s possible future influence in U.S.-Ukraine relations through his Starlink network.
While Musk’s exact role remains undefined, reports indicate he may have an advisory position, particularly in areas like technological innovation and fiscal strategy.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.