During her conversation with Kara Swisher at the 2023 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, comedian Chelsea Handler expressed her concerns regarding Elon Musk’s growing influence over former President Donald Trump. Handler initiated her critique by questioning the legitimacy of Musk’s sway in American politics, asking, “Did anyone vote for Elon Musk to be the president? Can’t we agree, as Republicans and Democrats, that we don’t want that?”

Handler further highlighted the necessity for bipartisan unity, stating, “I don’t know why we can’t somehow figure out a way to get together and at least have one goal in mind to not be, you know, a Russian asset.” Her comments reflect a broader anxiety regarding the intersection of tech influence and political leadership.

The Role of Elon Musk in Trump’s Administration

Following his electoral victory over Kamala Harris, Trump tasked Musk with leading an initiative aimed at “dismantling” the bureaucratic structure of the U.S. This effort was framed under the concept of a “Department of Government Efficiency,” cleverly abbreviated as DOGE—a nod to Musk’s association with the meme-based cryptocurrency, Dogecoin.

Controversial Claims on Budget Cuts

In a bold declaration last October, Musk claimed he could eliminate $2 trillion from the federal budget, stating, “This will send shockwaves through the system, and anyone involved in Government waste, which is a lot of people!” These claims underscore the ambitious, and often contentious, proposals surrounding government efficiency.

Handler’s Personal Perspectives

In a light-hearted exchange during her conversation, Swisher suggested that Handler consider dating Musk to mitigate his influence over Trump. Handler, however, briskly dismissed the idea: “There’s a lot I would do for the country, but having sex with Elon Musk is not one of them. I can’t.”

Handler then shifted her focus to Vice President JD Vance, characterizing him as her “worst nightmare” in a romantic context. She described men who wish to confine women’s roles to homemaking as “so antiquated and it’s so slow and it’s so boring.”

Empowerment and Political Climate

The comedian concluded her remarks by addressing the overarching societal dynamics, stating, “The political situation we’re in is a direct reflection of the fact that men are so scared of women… Women are more powerful and more independent than we’ve ever been, and that isn’t going to change.” Handler’s statements resonate with many advocates for gender equality and empowerment, drawing attention to the evolving role of women in contemporary politics.