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Billionaire Elon Musk revealed his personal experience with what he described as "Trump Derangement Syndrome" during a dinner party, discussing the incident in his first joint television interview with President Donald Trump.
The conversation, set to air on Hannity on Tuesday, February 18 at 9 p.m. EST, marks the first time the two have sat down together for a televised discussion.
Musk recounted an evening at a friend’s dinner party just a month or two before the November 5, 2024, presidential election, where he casually mentioned Trump’s name. The reaction, he said, was immediate and extreme.
"I happened to mention the president's name, and it was like they got shot with a dart in the jugular that contained methamphetamine and rabies," Musk said. He went on to mimic the reaction of guests at the event, imitating their shock and outrage.
"It’s like they've become completely irrational," he told Fox News host Sean Hannity.
Musk’s comments reflect a broader divide in political discourse, as debates over Trump’s policies continue to spark fierce reactions on both sides.
The billionaire’s remarks also reinforce his shifting role in American politics, where his alignment with Trump’s administration has become more visible through his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
During their conversation, Musk and Trump covered a range of topics, including the first 100 days of Trump’s administration, ongoing efforts to eliminate government waste, and DOGE’s increasing role in reshaping federal operations.
The interview followed a press conference at the White House last week, where Musk and Trump fielded questions about the agency’s influence and future plans.
DOGE, a temporary government body created by Trump via executive order, has been tasked with cutting unnecessary federal spending and eliminating inefficiencies. In recent weeks, the agency has targeted the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Education.
Trump has publicly praised Musk’s leadership of DOGE and recently instructed him to investigate spending at the Pentagon, which has failed multiple financial audits in recent years.
"The waste, fraud, and abuse in Washington is beyond anything most Americans realize," Trump said. "I’ve asked Elon to take a serious look at the Pentagon, because we need real accountability in how taxpayer dollars are being spent."
DOGE’s actions have sparked both praise and controversy. Supporters argue that the agency is finally holding federal institutions accountable for their budgets, while critics claim it operates with little oversight and too much power.
Several state attorneys general have already filed lawsuits challenging its authority.
Musk, however, remains focused on the agency’s mission. "The goal is simple: We are identifying waste, cutting fraud, and making government work efficiently," he said. "People deserve to know where their money is going."
His increasing role in federal affairs has raised speculation about his long-term political ambitions. While Musk has denied any interest in public office, his partnership with Trump has made him one of the most influential figures in Washington.
The upcoming Hannity interview is expected to offer further insights into the administration’s economic and policy strategies, as well as Musk’s growing impact on government operations.
With the White House increasingly relying on DOGE to drive cost-cutting initiatives, Musk’s role in shaping the future of federal agencies is set to expand.
As political tensions remain high, Musk’s remarks about "Trump Derangement Syndrome" highlight the deep polarization surrounding Trump’s presidency.
Whether his agency’s reforms will be seen as a necessary correction or an overreach of executive power remains a subject of national debate.
For now, Musk continues to solidify his influence in Washington, steering DOGE’s mission to reshape federal spending while standing firmly by Trump’s side as one of the administration’s key allies.
