Former Vice President Kamala Harris offered sharp criticism of Department of Government Efficiency chief Elon Musk during her address at Australasia’s largest real estate conference on May 25, 2025. She challenged Musk’s assertion that empathy is a fundamental weakness within Western civilization.
Addressing 4,500 real estate professionals at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Queensland, Australia, Harris disputed what she described as a flawed understanding of leadership strength. Although she did not mention Musk by name, she alluded to “someone that is very popular.”
“The fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy, the empathy exploit,” Musk stated during his February 28, 2025 appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast. Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, elaborated that adversaries exploit Western societies’ empathetic reactions as vulnerabilities, referring to it as “civilizational suicidal empathy.”
Harris countered Musk’s viewpoint during her conference presentation, describing his leadership philosophy as misguided. She suggested that Musk’s belief equated strong leadership with intimidation and dominance. In contrast, Harris emphasized that true strength arises from curiosity, concern, and caring for others’ well-being.
This appearance at the 2025 Australasian Real Estate Conference was Harris’ first speaking event in Australia since her November 2024 election loss to President Donald Trump. Conference founder John McGrath introduced Harris as one of history’s most successful women, while she humorously acknowledged her unemployed status to the lively audience.
Harris’ critique extended beyond Musk’s empathy stance, addressing broader issues like global authoritarianism. She expressed concerns about current worldwide developments and referenced the 1930s, stressing that isolation does not offer protection. Harris highlighted the importance of trust, friendships, integrity, and honesty in safeguarding democratic values.
The exchange underscores a significant philosophical difference between Harris and Musk, who has become an influential adviser to President Trump. Musk’s leadership of DOGE aligns with the administration’s goal of cutting federal government spending by $1 trillion or more. His influence also extends to fiscal policy, with Trump’s backing of Musk’s Mars colonization vision as part of America’s manifest destiny.
Musk’s comments on empathy during Rogan’s podcast were part of a larger conversation about immigration and cultural preservation. He attributed the idea of “suicidal empathy” to Canadian scholar Gad Saad, suggesting excessive compassion leads societies toward self-destruction. While acknowledging empathy’s positive aspects, Musk argued it becomes dangerous when manipulated to support harmful policies.
The billionaire’s statements have gained traction in conservative circles, where traditional views on empathy face increased scrutiny. Some prominent Christian conservatives have echoed similar warnings about empathy being used for political purposes, marking a shift in how some conservative leaders view compassion in governance.
Harris’ visit to Australia occurs amid ongoing questions about Musk’s role and actions within the Trump administration. The Tesla CEO has faced criticism for controversial gestures and social media posts interpreted as signals to white supremacist groups. Most notably, his gesture at the January 20, 2025 inauguration rally sparked debate, with some critics arguing it resembled a Nazi salute, while supporters dismissed it as an awkward moment.
The controversy involved Musk’s placement of his right hand over his heart before extending his arm upward at a 45-degree angle, palm down. He repeated this action at Capital One Arena, expressing solidarity with Trump supporters. Neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups celebrated the gesture online, interpreting it as a validation of their beliefs.
Several European politicians called for Musk to be banned from their countries following the incident. German officials expressed particular concern due to their nation’s history and laws against Nazi gestures. The Anti-Defamation League defended Musk, describing the gesture as awkward enthusiasm rather than intentional symbolism, though some Jewish organizations disagreed and condemned the action.
During her Gold Coast appearance, Harris also shared experiences from her time as California Attorney General, including her decision to reject a $4 billion settlement offer from major banks during the foreclosure crisis. She recounted a heated phone conversation with JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, who accused her of trying to steal from shareholders when she rejected what she deemed an inadequate offer.
Harris’ critique of Musk reflects broader Democratic concerns about the billionaire’s increasing political influence and rhetoric. As DOGE leader, Musk has initiated significant changes across federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Treasury Department. His team’s spending cut recommendations, though not mandatory, typically receive departmental approval.
The philosophical clash between Harris and Musk highlights fundamental disagreements about leadership, governance, and empathy’s role in democratic societies.
Academic experts studying empathy have challenged Musk’s views, arguing that research supports empathy’s positive contributions to society rather than a civilizational weakness. Canadian social psychologist Greg Depow noted that Musk’s claims are based on false assumptions about empathy levels in Western versus other societies and incorrect assessments of empathy’s impact on civilization.
Musk has announced a reduction in his political activities, including stepping back from his role at the Department of Government Efficiency, to focus more on his companies, Tesla and SpaceX. He intends to spend less time on government matters, allocating only one to two days per week to such activities.
Despite these statements, reports indicate that Musk’s influence persists through associates in key positions within DOGE and other federal agencies. However, his direct involvement and visibility in the administration have decreased. Notably, President Trump has stopped mentioning Musk in public communications, and Musk’s presence at White House briefings has diminished.
