Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has expressed serious concerns about his personal safety in public settings, citing the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk as a stark reminder of the risks he faces. The 54-year-old billionaire made these revelations during an interview on The Katie Miller Podcast, describing his current situation as living “life on hardcore mode.”
The security concerns come in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s shocking assassination in October 2025. The 31-year-old conservative activist was killed while speaking at a college campus in Utah, sending shockwaves through political circles. Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old suspect, has been charged with Kirk’s murder, though authorities remain unclear about the motive behind the attack.
Musk told podcast host Katie Miller, who is married to White House adviser Stephen Miller, that Kirk’s death reinforced the severity of security risks he personally faces. “One mistake could be fatal,” Musk explained, describing the heightened awareness required in his daily life. There is no evidence that Kirk’s alleged killer was part of a larger conspiracy or plot.
The tech mogul revealed that simple activities most people take for granted have become impossible for him. Musk stated he cannot visit public places like Target or CVS due to immediate requests for selfies and the security vulnerabilities such interactions create. He indicated he would prefer to spend more time in public but considers it unsafe given current circumstances.
Meanwhile, Musk’s security concerns appear linked to backlash from his controversial government work. The South African native, who owns social media platform X in addition to his other business interests, has drawn criticism for supporting right-wing political movements internationally. His involvement with the now-shuttered Department of Government Efficiency has particularly intensified public scrutiny.
During the interview, Musk characterized his work with DOGE as only somewhat successful and indicated he would not participate again if given the opportunity. The temporary agency, established under the Trump administration, aimed to reduce government spending through job cuts and program eliminations before being officially closed.
Public opinion data reflected the controversial nature of Musk’s government role. A Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll from April showed only 35% approval for Musk’s DOGE performance, highlighting the divisive reception of his cost-cutting efforts. Musk departed from his DOGE leadership role in spring 2025 before the agency officially shuttered.
The backlash extended beyond polling numbers to direct action against his business interests. Musk suggested that protesters burned Tesla vehicles in worldwide demonstrations due to his government work. He acknowledged that his businesses suffered due to his involvement with DOGE and its unpopularity among certain segments of the public.
However, the assassination of Kirk appears to have elevated Musk’s concerns from business impacts to personal safety. The activist’s death while engaged in public speaking highlighted the potential dangers faced by high-profile figures associated with controversial political positions. Musk’s comments suggest this event served as a turning point in his assessment of public appearance risks.
The Tesla CEO’s revelations underscore the complex intersection of celebrity, politics, and personal security in contemporary America. His situation reflects broader concerns about the safety of public figures who take controversial stances, particularly in an increasingly polarized political environment. As Musk continues to navigate these challenges, his public appearances remain limited by what he describes as an unacceptable level of personal risk.
