In a charged interview with former CNN anchor Don Lemon, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and X owner, staunchly defended his positions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) while challenging what he perceived as Lemon’s advocacy for censorship.
Musk’s frustration with Lemon’s questioning was palpable as he addressed inquiries about his use of the drug ketamine for mental health, stating, “It’s pretty private to ask somebody about a medical prescription.”
Regarding DEI initiatives and his support for conservative pundit Ben Shapiro’s thread on X, Musk emphasized his belief in meritocracy, asserting, “I think we should … treat people according to their skills and integrity.”
The discussion escalated as Lemon pointed out alleged antisemitic and racist posts still present on X, prompting Musk to defend the platform’s content moderation standards.
Musk countered Lemon’s concerns about censorship, stating, “Moderation is a propaganda word for censorship.”
Amidst the tension, Musk expressed his frustration with Lemon’s questioning style, stating, “you are upsetting me because the way you’re phrasing questions … is not cogent.”
Nevertheless, Musk shared insights into his innovative ventures, including plans for the next Tesla Roadster, which he hinted would incorporate technology from his SpaceX business, possibly leading to a “flying car.”
Regarding his political affiliations, Musk disclosed a recent meeting with former President Donald Trump but clarified that he had not contributed to his campaign.
On the upcoming presidential election, Musk remained undecided on endorsing a candidate, indicating he may do so in the final stretch.
The interview aired as the inaugural episode of Lemon’s show, where Musk used the platform to voice concerns about the potential consequences of DEI initiatives on medical standards, challenging Lemon’s assertions and emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards in the medical field.
The Daily Netizen 