Don Lemon says Elon Musk ‘doesn’t want to hear different opinions’ and is stuck in ‘echo chamber of far-right’ on X whereas he speaks ‘facts’

In the wake of the abrupt cancellation of his new show on

In an interview released Wednesday, the former CNN host discussed his fallout with Musk on the Press Club podcast with Aidan McLaughlin.

Earlier this month, Lemon’s new X show, “The Don Lemon Show,” was abruptly canceled by Musk, whose company had struck a commercial deal with the former primetime host.

Musk said he opted not to move forward with the partnership because Lemon’s show “turned out to be basically just CNN but on social media,” although a number of reports have rumored other possible reasons why Musk pulled the plug.

Speaking to McLaughlin in the wake of the deal’s collapse, Lemon said that despite Musk courting him because he reportedly wanted “other points of view on his platform,” he is effectively stuck in an “echo chamber” of right-wing opinions .

“Especially now on the right, where facts don’t matter, and so when they actually hear someone speaking facts, they’ll say, ‘You’re on the left!’ or ‘You’re against Elon Musk!’ and it’s like, no, I’m just challenging you about the truth,” Lemon said.

Though Lemon insisted that his personal politics are likely more centrist and even right-leaning than most would assume based on his public image and career to date.

‘I think my politics are probably more centrist and sometimes even more right-wing, more right-wing than people would think. Do I have left-wing politics or views on issues? Yes, that’s true, but I also have some things I agree with, with people on the right. “I always agree with the truth and the facts,” he said.

Despite the very public fallout, Lemon is still able to post his show on X and continues to produce and release it on platforms such as YouTube and iHeartRadio.

Lemon’s show as it would have existed on X was unexpectedly crossed out Musk just hours after the billionaire sat down for an interview with the former CNN star.

‘We had a good conversation. He clearly thought differently,” Lemon said in a scathing statement, saying he had entered into an agreement to stream all of his shows on Musk’s platform before the rug was pulled.

“His commitment to a global town square where all questions can be asked and all ideas shared does not seem to include questions from people like me.”

During the extended grilling — which at times felt more like a statement than an interview — Lemon addressed the Tesla CEO’s stance on woke ideology, racism, trans rights and drug use.

The pair often disagreed, arguing that they had no “evidence” to support their claims. Musk told him that users on X would correct any discrepancies in real time while watching the interview.

When Musk was questioned about his use of prescription ketamine, he seemed to take umbrage with Lemon’s questioning, saying that it’s “pretty private to ask someone about a medical prescription.”

Musk has previously touted the benefits of using ketamine to treat depression, telling Lemon that those struggling with their mental health should “talk to their doctor about ketamine instead of SSRIs.”

“There are times when I have a negative chemical state in my brain, like depression, I guess, or depression that is not related to negative news, and ketamine is useful in bringing someone out of a negative state of mind,” he added to.

When asked if he has ever “abused” the sedative drug, Musk continued: “I don’t think so… if you take too much ketamine you can’t really get to work, and I have a lot of work to do.”

“It’s a prescription from a real doctor, not one, you know…” he added, as the conversation stalled and became awkward.

“16-hour days are normal for me, and it’s rare for me to even take a weekend day off, so I don’t really have a situation where I can’t be mentally acute for an extended period of time.

“I can’t really get wasted.”

Musk noted that on average he takes a “small amount” of ketamine every other week, and that often “a number of weeks go by where I don’t use it.”

After the cancellation, Lemon claimed Musk was undermining his freedom of speech.

The platform’s business account quickly made it clear that he can still share his show on X, but “after careful consideration, X has decided not to enter into a commercial partnership with the show.”

Lemon said that even though the show was canceled, he would still air the interview with Musk, which covered a wide range of topics “from SpaceX to the presidential election.”

“This will be just the first of many episodes of The Don Lemon Show,” he said. The interview was posted on March 18.

“While Elon goes back on his word, I will redouble my commitment to freedom of expression and I can’t wait to get started.”

In response, Musk said he decided to end his association with the show after discovering that Lemon’s approach was “basically just CNN, but on social media.”

“And instead of it being the real Don Lemon, it was actually just Jeff Zucker speaking through Don, so it lacked authenticity,” he said.

Added a source to the New York Post that Musk was “disappointed” at the end of the show and left the show after “realizing how bad it was.”

“Don was disappointing, unprepared and boring,” the insider continued. Although Swisher claimed they argued over questions about Musk’s alleged drug use, the source claimed Lemon didn’t ask any interesting or pointed questions.

“He didn’t ask Musk about (ex-girlfriend) Amber Heard. Elon probably would have liked it,” she added.

‘He was unpolished. He had no producers in his ear. Jeff Zucker was always in his ear and he would repeat everything he was told,” they said, noting that Lemon only had a barebones crew that included his fiancée.

Another former CNN anchor, Brian Stelter, also joined the discussion on Xclaiming a source told him the interview was “like a bad first date.”

Lemon was kicked out of CNN in April 2023 after 17 years with the company after sparking backlash with a number of controversial comments, including branding Nikki Haley “past her prime.”

He also faced accusations from female colleagues who claimed he had a history of misogynistic behavior, which he denied.

The X Show was intended as a comeback for Lemon, and he would shoot three 30-minute episodes per week. He has been recruited for a series of shows, including recently handing deals to Tulsi Gabbard and sportscaster Jim Rome.

In January, it was reported that Lemon had entered into an exclusive publishing deal with X, which has now seemingly halted any monetization he would have received. He countered that he will now share his content on YouTube.

After releasing his statement, Lemon went to X to release a video of himself walking around New York, claiming Musk was “so angry” about their interview.

“This doesn’t change anything about the show except my relationship with Elon and X,” he said.

“I know many of you weren’t happy with me doing this in the first place, and you told me so.

“I just want you to know that I made this deal because I not only believe in freedom of speech, but because I believed this was my best possible opportunity to reach the largest number of people possible with the work I do .’