Visibly unwell Elon Musk says government is going after people who talk bad about Tesla

In a bizarre and unsettling public appearance that has left both fans and critics concerned, Elon Musk delivered a series of impassioned statements alleging that the U.S.government is targeting individuals who criticize Tesla.

Appearing visibly unwell during a late-night livestream, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX looked fatigued, unfocused, and at times emotionally erratic as he accused unnamed federal agencies of conducting a quiet campaign against online voices that speak negatively about his company.

The livestream, which was hosted on Musk’s X platform (formerly Twitter), drew tens of thousands of viewers within minutes.

What began as a discussion about electric vehicles and market trends quickly spiraled into a heated and somewhat incoherent monologue in which Musk suggested that “certain people in Washington” were attempting to “silence dissent” by investigating influencers, journalists, and even everyday users who have voiced criticism against Tesla or its products.

Musk appeared pale and noticeably thinner, with a hoarse voice and repeated coughing fits throughout the broadcast.

Observers noted that his speech was often fragmented, jumping between topics ranging from stock manipulation to artificial intelligence, before returning to what he described as a “coordinated smear campaign” against Tesla.

“I’m not paranoid,” he said at one point, “but I know when something isn’t random.

They’re watching who’s talking, and they’re making moves behind the scenes.”

He did not present concrete evidence during the stream but claimed that Tesla’s internal data shows increased “unexplained regulatory pressure” each time public criticism of the company spikes online.

He suggested that this pressure isn’t coincidental, and hinted that some journalists have been “encouraged” by government contacts to publish negative stories about Tesla’s workplace, vehicle safety, or financial operations.

“These aren’t just hit pieces,” Musk said.

“This is weaponized media—backed by people with badges.

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The statements have sparked immediate controversy, with experts, journalists, and government representatives scrambling to make sense of the outburst.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) declined to comment directly, though an unnamed official told one outlet that “no agency is targeting speech—we follow the law and investigate safety concerns based on data and consumer reports.

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Several members of Congress also weighed in, calling Musk’s claims “reckless” and “irresponsible,” especially given his influence over investors and the public.

Concerns over Musk’s health have also taken center stage.

Physicians who viewed the livestream commented online about his pale complexion, strained voice, and the erratic nature of his statements, suggesting he may be under extreme stress or experiencing burnout.

Some pointed to Musk’s notoriously intense work schedule, which includes simultaneous leadership of Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, The Boring Company, and his recent startup, xAI.

Others recalled similar episodes from past years when Musk’s health and public behavior became the focus of headlines.

This latest incident has once again sparked debate over Musk’s role as both a corporate leader and an influential voice in tech and finance.

His followers see him as a truth-teller and innovator who isn’t afraid to challenge the establishment.

His critics, however, view this kind of behavior as dangerous—arguing that Musk’s unchecked platform allows him to spread misinformation, stoke conspiracy theories, and influence markets with little accountability.

Indeed, just minutes after the livestream ended, Tesla’s stock experienced a brief dip in after-hours trading, reflecting investor unease over Musk’s demeanor and unsubstantiated claims.

Financial analysts described the reaction as a “warning flash,” noting that Musk’s erratic public comments—regardless of their validity—can and do impact the stock’s performance.

Some investors are reportedly urging the Tesla board to address Musk’s public behavior more proactively and to consider implementing stricter PR guidelines or even health-related reviews before public appearances.

Meanwhile, supporters of Musk have taken to social media to echo his sentiments, using hashtags like #ProtectTesla and #FreeSpeechUnderAttack to amplify the message.

Several prominent influencers and podcasters have pledged to investigate the allegations Musk mentioned, though none have yet presented evidence of government targeting beyond existing regulatory scrutiny.

At the same time, critics argue that Tesla has received more lenient treatment than most automakers, especially in areas like autonomous driving regulations and labor investigations.

Tesla itself has yet to release an official statement, and internal sources suggest the communications team was caught off guard by the livestream.

Some insiders claim that Musk did not inform the company’s board or senior staff before going live.

Others within the organization expressed concern privately, saying that while Musk’s passion is undeniable, the tone and timing of the broadcast may have done more harm than good.

This episode adds to a growing list of controversies surrounding Musk in 2025.

From tensions over X’s content moderation policies to backlash over employee treatment at Tesla factories, the CEO has found himself at the center of multiple firestorms.

Still, his loyal fan base remains largely unshaken, praising his willingness to “speak truth to power” even when the message is chaotic or controversial.

For now, the industry waits to see what comes next.

Will Musk double down on his claims and provide proof?
Will regulators issue a formal response?
Or will this livestream be remembered as a moment of personal and professional strain from one of the world’s most powerful and polarizing figures?

Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: Elon Musk’s latest appearance has reignited questions about leadership, mental health, and the blurred line between influence and responsibility in the digital age.

And as always with Musk, the world is watching—closely.