Elon Musk has never been one to hold back, but his latest attack on the media has sparked outrage—even among his own fans. The billionaire, known for championing free speech, has now turned his fury on CBS’s legendary investigative show, ’60 Minutes,’ calling the network “the biggest liars in the world” and even suggesting its journalists deserve “a long prison sentence.”
Musk’s explosive comments came after ’60 Minutes’ aired a report scrutinizing his role in the Trump administration and his involvement in the dismantling of USAID. The program claimed Musk refused to provide a statement or interview, but that didn’t stop him from going on a full-blown offensive once the segment aired.
For someone who famously called free speech “the bedrock of democracy,” Musk’s latest remarks are raising eyebrows. He has long positioned himself as a defender against censorship, yet his recent statements suggest he believes only certain voices deserve protection.
Musk’s War on the Press
This isn’t the first time Musk has lashed out at journalists. Just weeks ago, he called for the firing of a Wall Street Journal reporter who exposed a DOGE staffer’s racist remarks. He has also attacked taxpayer-funded media outlets like Radio Free Europe, labeling them “radical left crazy people.” But his latest attack against ’60 Minutes’ signals an escalation in his battle against the press, with Musk pushing conspiracy theories that the network deliberately interfered with the 2024 election—without providing a shred of evidence.
His words carry weight. With millions of followers hanging on his every post, Musk’s claims fuel distrust in journalism and embolden his most extreme supporters. However, this time, his loyal fanbase didn’t fully rally behind him. In the replies to his Sunday night tirade, many Musk supporters pushed back, calling him out for hypocrisy.
Hypocrisy at Its Finest?
Musk’s actions now raise a pressing question: Does he truly believe in free speech, or does he only support speech that aligns with his views? His latest outburst puts him in the same camp as authoritarian leaders who attack the press while claiming to protect democracy.
Even conservative allies are being forced to answer tough questions. Vice President JD Vance, who recently accused Europe of censoring free speech, stayed silent when progressive commentator Mehdi Hasan pointed out Musk’s comments. Instead of engaging, Vance resorted to name-calling, labeling Hasan a “dummy.”
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has launched its own war on the press. Just weeks ago, President Trump signed executive orders aimed at “restoring free speech” while simultaneously restricting media access to White House events. It’s a pattern Musk seems eager to follow—weaponizing the idea of free speech while punishing journalists who report stories he doesn’t like.
Musk’s Never-Ending Twitter Barrage
As usual, Musk isn’t slowing down. He spent Monday firing off over 100 tweets, spreading conspiracy theories about Social Security fraud, sharing baseless claims about Hollywood actors, and promoting his AI startup’s latest chatbot model. Between all of this, he still found time to take jabs at the press, proving once again that he thrives on controversy.
His defenders argue that he’s simply expressing his opinions. But when the world’s richest man, who holds a government role, calls for journalists to be imprisoned, the stakes are much higher. Whether his latest attack on ’60 Minutes’ is just another Twitter tantrum or a sign of something more sinister remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: Musk’s war on the media is only just beginning.
