In the wake of the tragic assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, NewsNation host Chris Cuomo reportedly took aim at X CEO Elon Musk on Thursday, condemning Musk’s comments about political violence and social media.
During a heated segment on “The Chris Cuomo Project,” Cuomo expressed moral outrage at Musk’s post on X, which read, “The Left is the party of murder,” following the shooting of Kirk at Utah Valley University. Cuomo described Musk as “devoid of morals and value,” warning listeners that the tech executive’s conduct could invite real-world danger.
“[He’s] the stupidest genius I’ve ever been around. And no, I’m not going to excuse it because he’s autistic. I have a lot of autistic people in my life,” Cuomo said. “They are not all morally bankrupt, ok? They don’t all say the stupidest thing at the worst time. I don’t know what it’s about with him. And I don’t give a shit to be honest. He has, in my opinion, exhausted his usefulness.”
Cuomo acknowledged the seriousness of human life but suggested Musk’s behavior might make him a target. “Now, does that mean he should be murdered? No, because that’s not how I see the value of human life,” Cuomo said. “But would I be surprised? No. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s me. I mean, that’s where we are. It’s who we are. That’s who we are.”
Musk responded on X Friday morning, directly rebutting Cuomo’s assertions. “By implying that I might be murdered by the radical left, Cuomo is exactly proving my point!” Musk wrote, underscoring his long-standing concerns about threats against high-profile conservatives.
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO also referenced previous comments he made on “The Joe Rogan Experience,” noting his fear that corporate media coverage could incite violence against him. Musk recalled his time leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Donald Trump, during which he said he received “numerous death threats” amid criticism for aggressive federal spending cuts.
“At this point, I think I’m at the top of the list for a lot of homicidal maniacs,” Musk told Rogan. “They’re doing the same thing to me that they did to Trump, which is that they’re making it sound like if you kill me, you’re a hero.”
Musk’s warnings are echoed by independent research. A study released in April by the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) found that “48% and 55%” of “left of center” respondents at least somewhat justified murder for Elon Musk and President Trump, respectively. The findings reflect broader concerns among conservatives that prominent figures challenging progressive narratives are increasingly portrayed as targets.
The controversy surrounding Cuomo’s comments highlights the tension between mainstream media figures and conservative leaders, particularly in the aftermath of Kirk’s assassination.
Musk’s critics and supporters alike have weighed in, with many conservatives asserting that mainstream outlets often exaggerate or mischaracterize threats against right-leaning voices.
As political discourse becomes more fraught, the debate over accountability and media influence shows no signs of abating, and Musk’s statements underscore the real risks faced by outspoken figures on the right in an era of heightened polarization.
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