
Elon Musk Dodges Politics in CBS Interview, Stays Focused on Space
2025-06-01
Author: Lok
In a revealing interview on CBS Sunday Morning, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk found himself in an unexpected position when the subject shifted to political topics. When asked by reporter David Pogue about former President Donald Trump's policies, particularly those affecting international students, Musk quickly diverted the conversation back to his favorite topic: spaceships.
"I think we want to stick to the subject of the day, which is, like, spaceships, as opposed to, you know, presidential policy," Musk stated decisively. This straightforward attempt to steer the conversation showcased his commitment to his aerospace ambitions.
Pogue seemed taken aback by Musk's abrupt redirection, replying, "Oh, okay, I was told, ‘Anything’s good.’" To this, Musk reiterated his stance, emphasizing his desire to focus on space exploration.
However, the billionaire entrepreneur didn't shy away entirely from discussing some of the political controversies surrounding his initiatives. He touched upon the backlash against his Department of Government Efficiency, which has faced scrutiny due to its substantial budget cuts across federal agencies. Musk, feeling the heat, remarked that DOGE (his department) has become a scapegoat for various critiques.
"If there was some cut, real or imagined, everyone would blame DOGE," he quipped, adding a touch of humor to an awkward situation.
Musk also expressed the delicate balancing act he faces regarding the Trump administration. "I don’t want to speak out against the administration, but I also don’t want to take responsibility for everything the administration's doing," he explained, underlining the challenge of navigating his political ties while maintaining his corporate focus.
The interview was conducted just ahead of another significant event for SpaceX: the test flight of its Starship. While the rocket launched successfully, it unfortunately lost control during reentry.
When Pogue inquired about Musk's range of businesses—including Tesla, xAI, X (formerly Twitter), Neuralink, and The Boring Company—Musk linked them all under one ambitious umbrella. "I guess you could think of the businesses as things that improve the probable trajectory of civilization," he stated, emphasizing his overarching vision.
Despite hints that he might step back from government matters, Musk indicated he would continue to remain involved, albeit on a limited basis. "DOGE is going to continue, just as a way of life. And I will have some participation in that, but as I’ve said publicly, my focus has to be on the companies at this point," he affirmed, solidifying his dedication to his multifaceted empire.