Are Democrats trying to get Musk on their side?
Comedian Bill Maher says Democrats are losing ground—and losing big names like Elon Musk—because of cancel culture and bad strategy.
In a powerful segment on HBO’s Real Time, Maher told his audience that Democrats need to stop chasing new influencers and focus instead on rebuilding bridges with voices they once had, like tech mogul Elon Musk and podcast giant Joe Rogan.
Maher: Democrats Drove Away Musk with Arrogance and Elitism
Maher criticized liberal political strategists for claiming the left needs “its own Joe Rogan.” He argued the real question should be: Why did Democrats lose Rogan—and Elon Musk too?
“Elon was once considered a liberal,” Maher said. “But arrogance, censorship, and disdain for success pushed him away. I get it. I wouldn’t follow that path either.”
Maher noted how Democrats attacked Musk simply for being a billionaire—even before he voiced support for any Republican. When Musk hosted Saturday Night Live in 2021, some cast members refused to work with him, which Maher said symbolized the toxic climate that pushes moderates away.
Elon Musk’s Growing Rift with Trump: Opportunity or Disaster?
While Musk has recently criticized President Trump—questioning his legislation and even flirting with a third party movement—Maher believes the billionaire entrepreneur is still persuadable.
“That’s a gettable voter,” Maher said. “He’s not gone. He’s thinking.”
Musk also called for Trump’s impeachment, referenced Jeffrey Epstein’s files, and suggested the government might be playing political games with federal contracts to retaliate. President Trump responded by warning that contracts with Musk’s companies could be reevaluated—raising the stakes even further.
Democrats Are Failing to Connect With Men—and Paying the Price
Following heavy losses in the 2024 elections, Democrats are now scrambling to rebuild their brand, especially among male voters who strongly favored Trump.
A top Democratic strategist admitted:
“Republicans crushed us with male voters, especially younger men. They used podcasts and platforms we ignored.”
Ro Khanna Urges Democrats to Welcome Back Musk and Dissenters
Even some progressive leaders are sounding the alarm. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) took to X to argue that Democrats must stop rejecting dissent and instead build broad coalitions like President Trump has done.
“When we turned away @RobertKennedyJr, Trump embraced him and won,” Khanna wrote. “We can’t be the party of lectures. We must be the party that wins.”
Final Thoughts: Will Democrats Learn—or Keep Losing?
With Elon Musk now publicly critical of both parties, Bill Maher’s warning is timely: the political landscape is shifting fast, and Democrats may be pushing away voters they desperately need to keep.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump continues to expand his coalition, not by canceling critics—but by welcoming them in. That’s a strategy that’s proven to work—and one the left seems unwilling to learn from.