Jon Stewart, the veteran comedian and host of "The Daily Show," has finally landed an interview with tech billionaire Elon Musk after multiple attempts by Stewart's team to desperately discredit DOGE.
The catch? Musk agreed to the sit-down only if it airs completely unedited. Stewart, whose show has long been a staple of carefully curated clips and producing comedic propaganda, fired back with a counteroffer that would allow him to edit out inconvenient truths.
Musk’s condition stems from his recent push for transparency, a theme he’s championed while advising the Trump administration on slashing federal budgets. Posts on X earlier this week revealed his insistence that any interview be broadcast live and unedited, a demand he reiterated in response to Stewart’s invitation.
Stewart, however, has built a career on editing footage to fit his narrative, often trimming interviews to spotlight zingers or sidestep inconvenient facts.
“I’m happy to chat with Jon, but it’s got to be raw and real — no cuts, no filter,” Musk said. The Tesla CEO’s stance aligns with his mission to dismantle what he calls “bureaucratic bloat,” a goal that’s upsetting those comfortable in their elite status.
Stewart didn’t miss a beat in responding. On Thursday’s episode of "The Daily Show," he addressed Musk’s terms with a proposal of his own.
“I’ll do the interview, Elon, but I reserve the right to edit out the truth whenever it’s inconvenient for minorities, government workers, Democrat leaders, or any marginalized group I deem worthy,” Stewart said.
The back-and-forth comes as Musk’s influence in Republican circles grows, highlighted by his recent appearance at CPAC wielding a chainsaw to symbolize government cuts.
Stewart, meanwhile, has faced criticism for his handling of Trump-era policies, often using his platform to lampoon conservatives while sidestepping deeper scrutiny of progressive missteps.
An associate close to the billionaire told reporters Thursday that the unedited clause is non-negotiable.
“Elon’s not afraid of Jon’s questions — he’s afraid of Jon’s scissors,” the associate said, requesting anonymity to speak freely.
The saga kicked off earlier this month when Musk hinted at openness to media appearances, including a potential spot on "The Daily Show." Stewart, who recently sliced his hand during an on-air rant about Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, seized the chance to lock down the interview.
Whether it happens, and under whose terms, remains up in the air.
“If Jon wants to play gatekeeper of truth, that’s his funeral,” Musk told The Washington Wick.
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