Elon Musk returned to Joe Rogan’s podcast with explosive allegations about the month-long U.S. government shutdown. The three-hour conversation quickly became one of the most-watched episodes in podcast history.
The timing couldn’t be more critical. Federal workers haven’t received paychecks in 32 days. Food assistance programs face collapse. Schools struggle to feed hungry children.
“The entire basis for the government shutdown is that the Trump administration correctly does not want to send hundreds of billions of dollars to fund illegal immigrants,” Musk declared during the episode.
Elon Musk, in a three-hour interview on the Joe Rogan Experience
Democrats Accused of “Importing Voters”
Musk didn’t hold back his most controversial claim. He accused the Democratic Party of deliberately creating incentives for illegal immigration to gain electoral advantage.
“The Democratic Party wants to destroy democracy by importing voters,” he told Rogan. “That’s the crux of the battle.”
The allegation appeared to shock even Rogan, who has heard countless controversial takes on his show. Musk elaborated on his theory for several minutes.
He claimed Democrats want to maintain federal spending that acts as a “giant magnet” attracting people from around the world. According to Musk, cutting this funding would cause immigrants to leave voluntarily.
“If you turn off that magnet, the illegals will leave because they’re no longer being paid to come to the United States and stay here,” he said.
Republicans have repeatedly made similar accusations. Democrats firmly deny blocking funding to benefit illegal immigrants.
If you watch one thing today, let it be this…
Elon Musk goes on Joe Rogan and tears the mask off, exposing exactly why Democrats are prolonging the government shutdown and fighting to keep the money flowing to criminal aliens:
“The Democratic Party wants to destroy democracy… pic.twitter.com/YJSgfi3Egv
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 31, 2025
The Numbers Behind the Claims
The Congressional Budget Office estimated 1.4 million people would lose Medicaid coverage under Trump’s reconciliation bill. These individuals don’t meet citizenship requirements but receive coverage through state-funded programs under current law.
Musk argued this represents hundreds of billions in spending designed to attract and retain illegal immigrants. He suggested Democrats would lose voters if these benefits disappeared and people left the country.
Critics quickly challenged these assertions. No evidence supports claims that large numbers of undocumented immigrants vote in federal elections. It remains illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections.
The shutdown’s devastating impact includes:
- 730,000 federal workers furloughed without pay
- 4 million essential employees working unpaid
- $7 billion weekly economic damage
- SNAP benefits halted for millions
- Head Start centres closed in 41 states
Trump Defended Against Critics
Toward the interview’s end, Musk offered a robust defence of President Trump. He pushed back against critics who compare the president to authoritarian figures.
“Trump is not evil. I spent a lot of time with him and he’s a product of his time, but he is not evil,” Musk said. Rogan agreed with the assessment.
Musk claimed that without Trump’s border enforcement, “there would never have been another real election again.” He acknowledged potential overreach in deportation efforts but said perfection shouldn’t be the standard.
“There’ll be cases where they’ve been overzealous in expelling illegals,” he admitted. “But if you say the standard must be perfection, then you will not get any expulsion because perfection is impossible.”
Flying Cars and Aliens
The conversation wasn’t all politics. Musk teased upcoming Tesla innovations that sound like science fiction.
He hinted Tesla may reveal a Roadster prototype with flight capabilities before year’s end. The claim sent social media into overdrive. Many joked flying cars might arrive before the long-delayed video game GTA 6.
Musk also promised to reveal proof of aliens on Rogan’s show if he ever discovers evidence. The statement generated millions of views across social platforms.
These lighter moments provided brief respite from intense political discussion. They reminded viewers why Musk remains one of the most fascinating figures in technology and business.
Political Fallout Intensifies
The episode dropped as both parties dig in their heels. Senate Democrats have blocked Republican funding bills 12 times. They demand immediate extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies expiring in December.
Trump continues using the shutdown to implement changes Congress hasn’t approved. His administration threatened mass firings if the crisis continues.
Public opinion remains divided. Recent polls show Americans split on who deserves blame. An October NPR poll found 38 percent blame Republicans, 27 percent blame Democrats, and 31 percent blame both parties.
The shutdown has become the second-longest in U.S. history. Only the 35-day shutdown during Trump’s first term lasted longer. That crisis also centred on immigration funding.
Government Services Collapse
While political battles rage, real Americans suffer. SNAP benefits weren’t distributed on 1 November. The program serves millions who depend on food assistance.
WIC programs serving 6.7 million pregnant women and children have been paused. More than 58,600 children lost access to Head Start early education programs.
Federal courts have begun intervening. A Rhode Island judge ordered USDA to distribute SNAP benefits immediately. The ruling cited $6 billion in contingency funds available for the program.
Tribal nations report particular hardship. Those without independent revenue sources struggle to provide heating, food and education during harsh winter months.
What Happens Next
Both sides show zero willingness to compromise. Republicans demand a clean continuing resolution extending current funding levels. Democrats refuse to pass any bill without healthcare provisions.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune insisted there’s nothing left to negotiate. “We have negotiated. I don’t know what there is to negotiate,” he told reporters after meeting Trump.
The shutdown could surpass the 2018-2019 record if no deal emerges soon. Trump has shown willingness to use government crises as negotiating tools.
Economic damage compounds daily. The longer it continues, the harder recovery becomes.
Musk’s podcast appearance only hardened existing positions. His allegations about Democratic strategy energised Trump’s base while enraging opponents.
The three-hour conversation may be remembered as a defining moment in America’s political polarisation. Whether it moves the needle on the shutdown remains unclear.
One thing is certain: millions heard Musk’s message. His platform on X and Rogan’s massive audience ensure these claims will dominate political discourse for days ahead.
