Jon Stewart has officially invited Elon Musk to appear on The Daily Show after a public exchange between the two on social media.
During Monday’s episode of the long-running show that is currently hosted by Steward once a week, the host addressed Musk’s challenge directly. “After thinking about his offer, I thought, ‘Hey, that’s actually how these in-studio interviews normally air,'” Stewart said. “So, sure,” he added.
The Context
A little-known X account first suggested that Musk, currently leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and Stewart have a conversation after Stewart delivered a withering monologue criticizing DOGE. Musk responded, saying he’d go on Stewart’s show if the interview aired unedited.
Stewart, via The Daily Show’s social media, quickly accepted. But as the exchange continued last week, Musk appeared to waver, calling him a “propagandist” and saying he is no longer bipartisan. “Jon is too set in his ways. He used to be more bipartisan,” Musk wrote on X.
What To Know
On Monday’s episode of The Daily Show, Stewart further addressed Musk’s offer, even giving him flexibility. “The interview can be 15 minutes, an hour, two hours—whatever. I’ll be honest, I don’t think this network makes any other programming, so we can do whatever the f— we want,” Stewart joked.
Despite accepting the original offer last week, Stewart noted that Musk had since criticized him. In response, Stewart pointed to Musk’s own political activity. “The guy who custom-made his own dark MAGA hat to wear in the Oval Office with the president he spent $270 million to elect thinks I’m too partisan,” he said.
As Musk appeared to back away from the interview, Stewart called him out. “If you want to come on and talk about it, great. If you don’t, fine,” he said. “But let’s drop the pretense that you won’t do it because I don’t meet your standards of ‘neutral discourse.’ Because, quite frankly, that’s bulls–t. You know it. I know it. Bulls–t.”
Still, Stewart left the door open for Musk to join him and discuss government efficiency—the issue that sparked their exchange. “Look, Elon,” Stewart said, “I do have some criticisms about DOGE. If you want to come on and talk about it, great. If not, that’s up to you.”
What People Are Saying
Elon Musk on X: “Jon Stewart is much more a propagandist than it would seem.”
Farzad Mesbahi, internet personality, on X: “I think it would be a real missed opportunity if a conversation between the two of you never materializes”.
Nicole Simone, musician and actress, on Threads: Musk asking to debate Jon Stewart and then recanting because Stewart isn’t “bipartisan” enough is peak cowardice wrapped in a thin veil of faux intellectualism. You don’t challenge someone to a debate and then bail because they might actually challenge you. Unless you’re Elon Musk, of course.
What Happens Next
It remains unclear whether Musk will go through with the interview. While Stewart has reaffirmed his willingness to host him under his requested conditions, Musk’s recent posts suggest he may be backing out.
If the interview does not materialize, it would not be the first time Musk has backed out of a high-profile one-on-one. In 2023, he and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg engaged in a public exchange about a potential cage fight.
The fight never happened, with Zuckerberg expressed frustration over Musk’s lack of commitment and mentioning that he needed surgery. “I think we can all agree Elon isn’t serious, and it’s time to move on,” Zuckerberg said at the time.
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