Elon Musk Discusses Controversy and Cryptocurrency on Joe Rogan Podcast

LOS ANGELES, CA — Tech billionaire Elon Musk addressed recent controversies during a three-hour podcast with Joe Rogan, released on February 28, 2025. The conversation touched on Musk’s controversial gesture at a January event and potential implications of his advocacy for the cryptocurrency DOGE.

Musk made headlines last month when he was seen performing a gesture some equated to a Nazi salute at the inauguration of President Donald Trump. During the podcast, he defended his actions, claiming it was meant to convey a positive message. Rogan, who defended Musk’s intent, stated, “You did it with a little enthusiasm that probably wouldn’t be recommended with hindsight.”

Amidst discussions about political and social implications, Musk reiterated his support for DOGE, asserting that it could save the U.S. government an estimated $100 billion annually through changes to Treasury Department payment categorization codes. However, Musk faced scrutiny regarding claims of substantial savings related to DOGE.

Rogan and Musk also conversed about the historical gold supply at Fort Knox, bringing in Grok, a chatbot developed by Musk’s startup xAI. When asked about conspiracy theories surrounding the gold supply, the chatbot prompted Rogan to identify as a conspiracy theorist, to which Rogan agreed.

Delving into topics of national security, Musk expressed skepticism about the capability of major defense contractors like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin to develop advanced drone propulsion systems without his knowledge. He noted he holds a high-level security clearance, which he believes grants him insight into technologies developed by these companies.

As the conversation shifted towards market trends, Musk advised caution for investors in “meme” cryptocurrencies, stating, “Don’t bet the farm on a meme coin because you’re not gonna win.” His comments referenced DOGE, which draws its name from the popular dogecoin that he previously endorsed.

The podcast also briefly addressed ongoing concerns related to Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activities. Rogan voiced concerns that evidence linked to Epstein was being deliberately withheld, while Musk expressed disappointment over the lack of significant revelations in recently released documents.

Musk’s net worth is estimated at $359.4 billion, making him the world’s wealthiest person. His appearances on Rogan’s podcast have collectively garnered over 54 million views since 2020, reflecting significant public interest in both Musk and the topics discussed.

In recent weeks, Musk and DOGE faced increased scrutiny over broader government influence, resulting from two executive orders from Trump—meant to streamline federal spending and incorporate DOGE into hiring practices across governmental agencies.

Critics have contested the legitimacy of DOGE’s claim to save billions, pointing out discrepancies in reported cuts, such as an alleged $8 billion savings that was actually linked to a contract worth $8 million. Additionally, five substantial reported savings were inexplicably deleted from DOGE’s website, raising further questions about transparency.

As Musk navigates these controversies, both he and Rogan continue to attract significant media attention and public engagement with their dialogue on pressing national issues.