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Former NBC political commentator and longtime Meet The Press moderator Chuck Todd has strongly criticized Elon Musk, calling him “un-American” and warning that his actions represent a major crisis for the country.
Todd’s comments come as Musk, now leading the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Donald Trump, pushes sweeping reforms across the federal government.
Speaking on fellow pundit Chris Cillizza’s podcast, Todd voiced deep concerns about Musk’s growing influence over U.S. institutions and his aggressive cost-cutting measures.
“If democracy is a quote-unquote ‘left-wing ideology’ to Elon Musk, I mean, this man is un-American as far as my definition of America is,” Todd said.
“The fact that more people aren’t offended by this man’s actions … I mean, it shows you how much he has helped successfully destroy the trusted information ecosystem because this is a five-alarm fire.”
“Elon Musk is a five-alarm fire, and the country doesn’t realize it yet,” he added.
Todd’s remarks, first reported by Mediaite, reflect growing unease over Musk’s role in reshaping government operations. Appointed by Trump to lead DOGE, Musk has proposed dramatic changes, including mass buyouts for federal employees and cutting off foreign aid.
His policies have sparked backlash among lawmakers, government agencies, and diplomatic circles.
Musk has defended his approach, arguing that streamlining the federal workforce and reducing foreign aid align with Trump’s broader agenda. He has also targeted the U.S.
Agency for International Development (USAID), which he recently labeled “a radical-left political psy-op.”
Since taking charge of DOGE, Musk has pushed to centralize decision-making, arguing that government operations are bloated and inefficient. His actions have left many officials confused and concerned about the scope of his authority.
Critics argue that Musk’s influence extends far beyond administrative efficiency and into fundamental shifts in government priorities.
The controversy surrounding Musk’s leadership comes amid broader debates about his role in shaping public discourse and governance.
Since acquiring Twitter in 2021 and rebranding it as X, Musk has made sweeping changes to the platform’s content moderation policies, leading to accusations that he has undermined traditional news sources and facilitated the spread of misinformation.
Todd, who left NBC after nearly two decades to launch his own media venture, has been outspoken about the dangers of misinformation and the erosion of democratic norms. He sees Musk’s impact as a direct threat to the country’s stability.
“This is not about politics,” Todd emphasized. “This is about the fundamental way we govern and communicate in this country. And Musk is at the center of it.”
The backlash against Musk’s role in DOGE is part of a larger political fight over the future of the federal government.
While Trump and his allies argue that reforms are necessary to rein in bureaucracy and cut unnecessary spending, opponents warn that the rapid restructuring could lead to chaos and weaken essential government functions.
As Musk continues to reshape DOGE and expand his influence within federal agencies, the debate over his role in government is likely to intensify.
Calls for oversight and accountability are growing, with lawmakers from both parties questioning the unchecked power Musk appears to wield.
For now, Todd and others warning about Musk’s influence remain in the minority. However, as Musk pushes forward with his reforms, the potential consequences for American governance, global diplomacy, and public trust in institutions remain uncertain.
Whether the country will recognize the “five-alarm fire” Todd describes before it’s too late remains to be seen.
