April 18, 2025 – Two weeks ago, Elon Musk, the billionaire spearheading Tesla, SpaceX, and the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), stepped into a firestorm on Fox News’ The Five. What was meant to be a routine appearance turned into a viral moment when co-host Jessica Tarlov confronted Musk over alleged conflicts of interest, leaving the tech mogul flustered and sparking a media frenzy. Political commentator Francis Maxwell’s reaction, widely shared online, added fuel to the fire, framing the exchange as a rare moment of accountability for the world’s richest man. Here’s how it all unfolded—and why it’s still making waves.

On April 1, 2025, Musk appeared on The Five to discuss DOGE’s mission to slash federal spending and streamline government operations. As a “special government employee” advising President Donald Trump, Musk has been under scrutiny for wielding unprecedented influence, especially since DOGE’s cuts often target agencies regulating his companies, like Tesla and SpaceX. Enter Jessica Tarlov, the show’s liberal co-host, who didn’t hold back.

Tarlov zeroed in on Musk’s financial ties to the government, noting that SpaceX and Tesla have secured over $18 billion in federal contracts over the past decade. “You’ve been making cuts to agencies that have open investigations and regulatory battles with your companies,” she said pointedly. “At the same time, you continue to get billions in government contracts. Can you explain to the American people how that’s not a conflict of interest?”

Musk’s response was a masterclass in deflection. Instead of addressing the question directly, he pivoted to DOGE’s “radical transparency,” claiming, “We’re an open book. If anyone has a concern about any one of those actions, they can bring that up.” Tarlov, unimpressed, pressed further, pointing out that his role in DOGE gives him leverage over agencies that oversee his businesses. Musk stumbled, repeating platitudes about transparency and admitting “mistakes” without specifying what they were. Clips of his uneasy demeanor—shifting in his seat, avoiding eye contact—went viral, with X users calling it “cringe-worthy” and “a rare Elon L.”

Political commentator Francis Maxwell, known for his sharp takes on progressive platforms, didn’t miss the chance to weigh in. In a video posted to X on April 4, Maxwell hailed Tarlov’s questioning as “a masterstroke in holding power to account.” He argued that Musk’s discomfort exposed a deeper truth: “Elon’s used to controlling the narrative on X, but when someone like Tarlov calls him out to his face, he crumbles. That’s not transparency—it’s evasion.” Maxwell’s reaction, viewed over 500,000 times, framed the interview as a turning point, showing Musk as “a billionaire out of his depth when the spotlight’s on him.”

Maxwell also connected the dots to broader issues, accusing Musk of leveraging DOGE to benefit his empire while dodging accountability. “This isn’t about efficiency,” Maxwell said. “It’s about a guy who’s got one foot in the White House and the other in his boardroom, playing both sides.” He pointed to Musk’s recent controversies—like his failed attempt to influence a Wisconsin judicial election and DOGE staffer Antonio Gracias’ dubious claims about noncitizen voting—as evidence of overreach.

The Tarlov-Musk clash resonated because it tapped into growing unease about Musk’s influence in Trump’s administration. Polls show Musk’s popularity slipping, with 48% of Americans viewing him unfavorably, up from 40% in 2024. Words like “greedy” and “arrogant” are increasingly tied to his public image. Tarlov’s willingness to challenge Musk on a conservative-leaning network like Fox News was a rare break from the echo chamber, earning her both praise and backlash. On X, supporters called her “fearless,” while detractors labeled her “woke” and accused her of “ambushing” Musk.

Musk’s defenders, meanwhile, argue he’s being unfairly targeted. “Jessica Tarlov’s just grandstanding for clout,” one X user posted. “Elon’s saving taxpayers money with DOGE, and she’s nitpicking contracts that were awarded years ago.” Others praised Musk’s “radical transparency” line, claiming it proves his commitment to openness. Yet critics, including Maxwell, counter that Musk’s vague responses only deepen suspicions about his motives.

This interview also sheds light on Musk’s recent vow to “take SNL off the air” after a sketch mocked him as Tesla’s biggest liability. The Fox News debacle likely amplified his frustration with media scrutiny. Tarlov’s grilling, much like SNL’s satire, pierced Musk’s carefully curated image as an untouchable visionary. Both incidents highlight a growing pushback against Musk’s outsized role in public life, from comedy stages to cable news.

Musk is set to wrap up his DOGE role by late May due to limits on his “special government employee” status, but he’s vowed to keep pushing for cuts. Tarlov, despite rumors of tension at Fox, remains a fixture on The Five, with no confirmed plans to leave. Maxwell’s commentary continues to gain traction, signaling that Musk’s every move will face intense scrutiny.

This Fox News face-off wasn’t just a TV moment—it was a cultural flashpoint. Tarlov exposed Musk’s vulnerabilities, Maxwell amplified the fallout, and the public is left questioning whether Musk’s power comes with enough accountability. As one X user put it: “Elon’s not used to being called out like that. Jessica Tarlov just reminded him he’s not invincible.” The saga’s far from over, and the internet’s watching every step.