Former Vice President Kamala Harris criticized Elon Musk during her speech at Australasia’s largest real estate conference on May 25, 2025. She took issue with Musk’s remarks that empathy is a key weakness of Western civilization.
Addressing 4,500 real estate professionals at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Queensland, Australia, Harris disputed what she called a dangerous view on leadership strength. Without naming Musk, she referred to “someone that is very popular.”
“The fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy, the empathy exploit,” Musk stated on February 28, 2025, during his appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO elaborated on this, suggesting adversaries take advantage of Western empathy as a vulnerability, calling it “civilizational suicidal empathy.”
Countering Musk’s perspective, Harris described his leadership philosophy as flawed. She indicated that Musk believes leadership requires intimidation and dominance, while she asserted that true strength lies in curiosity, concern, and care for others.
This event marked Harris’ first speaking engagement in Australia since her defeat in the November 2024 election to President Donald Trump. John McGrath, the conference founder, introduced her as one of history’s most successful women, to which she humorously acknowledged her current unemployed status.
Harris extended her critique beyond Musk’s comments to address global authoritarianism, urging the remembrance of the 1930s and emphasizing the importance of trust, friendship, integrity, and honesty in preserving democratic values.
This exchange highlights a significant philosophical divide between Harris and Musk, who has been a key adviser to President Trump. Musk’s former role as head of DOGE demonstrated the administration’s focus on reducing federal spending, with a goal of cutting over $1 trillion. His influence included advocating for Mars colonization as part of America’s manifest destiny.
Musk’s statements on empathy during the podcast were part of a larger discussion on immigration and culture. He credited Canadian scholar Gad Saad with the term “suicidal empathy,” arguing that too much compassion can lead to societal self-destruction, though he acknowledged empathy’s potential positives.
The remarks have resonated with conservative circles, where empathy’s role in governance faces scrutiny. Some Christian conservatives have echoed concerns about empathy being politically exploited, marking a shift in how some conservatives view compassion.
Questions about Musk’s influence in the Trump administration continued amid controversies over his public behavior. Criticism arose after his gesture at a January 20, 2025, rally, which some interpreted as a Nazi salute, though his supporters described it as an awkward moment of enthusiasm.
The gesture involved Musk placing his right hand over his heart before extending his arm upward. Neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups celebrated it on social media, interpreting it as support for their beliefs.
European politicians called for Musk to be banned from their countries. German officials have expressed concern due to their history and laws against Nazi gestures. The Anti-Defamation League defended Musk, labeling the gesture as awkward rather than intentional, though other Jewish groups condemned it.
During her appearance, Harris shared experiences from her time as California Attorney General, including rejecting a $4 billion settlement offer from major banks during the foreclosure crisis. She recounted a tense call with JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon over the offer.
Harris’ criticism of Musk aligns with broader Democratic concerns over his political influence and rhetoric. As head of DOGE, Musk drove significant changes across federal agencies, with his spending cut recommendations often receiving approval.
Academic experts have challenged Musk’s views, arguing that empathy contributes positively to society. Canadian social psychologist Greg Depow noted that Musk’s claims rely on flawed assumptions about empathy and its effects on civilization.
Musk has finished his political role with DOGE and has returned to focusing on Tesla and SpaceX.
Despite this, reports indicate Musk’s influence continues through associates in key positions within DOGE and other agencies. His direct involvement is reduced, with President Trump no longer mentioning him publicly and Musk’s presence at White House briefings decreasing.
