Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk sat down with Tucker Carlson for a revealing interview, touching on a wide range of topics, from the future of artificial intelligence to the current political landscape in California. The interview, posted on X (formerly Twitter), offered insights into Musk’s perspectives on some of the most pressing issues of our time.
AI’s Promise and Perils
Musk acknowledged the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, predicting that AI will be capable of creating full-length short films by 2025. However, he expressed concern about the potential for AI to become dangerous, emphasizing the need for “truth-seeking” AI models. Musk criticized AI models like Google Gemini, accusing them of exhibiting a “woke mind virus,” suggesting they might be biased or promoting certain ideologies. He also warned about the existential risks posed by advanced AI, estimating a 20% chance of human annihilation. Despite these concerns, Musk remains optimistic about AI’s overall benefits.
Musk also expressed his distrust in OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, lamenting the company’s shift from a nonprofit, open-source model to a profit-driven, closed-source entity.
Starlink’s Role in Disaster Relief
The interview also highlighted the crucial role of Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet service, in providing essential communication during disaster relief efforts. Musk shared how Starlink became a lifeline for residents in hurricane-ravaged North Carolina, recounting a regulatory hurdle with the FAA that initially hindered relief efforts. However, he praised Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for swiftly resolving the issue after Musk raised concerns. “When I complained about it, he reacted in a very levelheaded way, and he reached out to me, and he called me,” Musk stated. “We discussed the issue, got to the bottom of it and he fixed it.”
California Politics: Musk’s Critique of Newsom’s Policies
Musk did not shy away from critiquing California’s political landscape under Governor Gavin Newsom. He likened the state to “Gotham City under the Joker,” criticizing decriminalization efforts and their impact on society. Musk was particularly surprised by Newsom’s opposition to a specific decriminalization proposition, despite his overall criticism of the governor’s stance. Musk and Carlson challenged Newsom’s justification that enforcing laws disproportionately affects people of color, arguing that such reasoning is patronizing and counterproductive.
The duo also discussed the influence of George Soros and his son, with Musk describing them as “anti-civilizational” and harmful to the social fabric.
Beyond California: Political Views and Predictions
The interview delved into other political topics. Musk suggested that certain billionaires are backing Democratic nominee Kamala Harris due to their fear of Donald Trump releasing the Epstein Client list. He declared his full support for Trump and expressed concern about the potential consequences if Trump does not win the upcoming election, stating, “My view is that if Trump doesn’t win this election, it’s the last election we’re going to have.” Musk also discussed his potential role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under a new Trump administration, suggesting that the department could streamline federal spending by overseeing the operations of different agencies.
This wide-ranging interview offers a glimpse into Elon Musk’s thinking on some of the most important issues facing the world today, covering everything from technological advancements to political strategy.
