In a recent episode of The Late Show, Stephen Colbert took aim at billionaire Elon Musk with a scathing jab that left audiences roaring with laughter—and Musk, presumably, less than amused. The late-night host seized on Musk’s failed attempt to influence a Wisconsin Supreme Court election, where the Tesla and SpaceX CEO reportedly spent a million dollars to back a candidate, only to see his investment go up in flames. “Spending all that cash just to see the whole thing burst into flames. Now he knows what it’s like to buy a Tesla,” Colbert quipped, delivering a biting critique that doubled as a roast of Musk’s electric car empire.
Colbert’s comment, which quickly spread across social media platforms like X, tapped into a broader sentiment about Musk’s recent string of high-profile missteps. The Wisconsin election loss was just the latest in a series of financial and political gambles that haven’t panned out for the world’s richest man. Musk, known for his ambitious ventures and polarizing public persona, has been under scrutiny for his political spending, particularly as he’s attempted to flex his financial muscle in U.S. elections. But as Colbert pointed out, this particular million-dollar effort didn’t just fail—it backfired spectacularly, with the opposing candidate securing a decisive victory.
The Tesla jab, however, was the real zinger. By likening Musk’s political flop to the experience of buying a Tesla—implying that both are prone to catastrophic failure—Colbert struck at the heart of Musk’s business empire. Tesla has long been a lightning rod for criticism, with detractors pointing to issues like battery fires, production delays, and quality control problems. While the company has a loyal fanbase and has revolutionized the electric vehicle market, its reputation for reliability has been a persistent sore spot. Colbert’s quip cleverly tied Musk’s personal loss to the broader narrative of Tesla’s struggles, amplifying the burn.
Musk, for his part, has not publicly responded to Colbert’s mockery, but the billionaire is no stranger to clapping back at critics. Known for his active presence on X, where he often engages with both supporters and detractors, Musk has a history of firing off sharp retorts to perceived slights. Whether he’ll address Colbert’s comments remains to be seen, but the comedian’s roast has already sparked a wave of reactions online. Some X users celebrated the takedown, with one post calling it “the best Musk burn yet,” while others defended the billionaire, arguing that his influence and innovation far outweigh his recent setbacks.
This isn’t the first time Musk has been the target of late-night satire, but Colbert’s latest jab may sting more than most. As Musk continues to navigate the intersection of business, politics, and public perception, the comedian’s words serve as a reminder that even the world’s richest man isn’t immune to a well-timed roast. For now, the ball is in Musk’s court—will he let this slide, or will he make Colbert pay with a fiery comeback? Only time will tell.
