Robert De Niro stands up for Joy Behar and calls out Elon Musk on The View: “He does not deserve people’s trust”.

In a fiery moment on The View, Hollywood legend Robert De Niro made headlines when he stood up for co-host Joy Behar and called out Elon Musk, claiming that the tech mogul “does not deserve people’s trust.” The remarks came during a lively segment about Musk’s controversial actions in recent months, drawing a clear line between De Niro’s long-standing support for Behar and his personal disdain for Musk’s behavior.

The exchange began when Behar, known for her outspoken views, was discussing Musk’s increasingly erratic behavior on social media and his leadership style at Tesla and SpaceX. Behar, who has often been critical of Musk, highlighted his numerous public outbursts, including his controversial tweets, his handling of Tesla’s autonomous driving technology, and his unpredictable actions as CEO of Twitter (now X). While she expressed concern over Musk’s increasing power in shaping public opinion, she also noted how his influence seemed to continue to grow, despite the mounting controversies surrounding him.

As Behar spoke, De Niro, who was a guest on the show to promote his latest film, couldn’t contain his frustration and stepped in. “Look, I’ve been in this business a long time, and I’ve seen a lot of people come and go,” De Niro began, addressing the panel. “But Musk is different. He’s not someone who should be trusted. This is a guy who’s willing to gamble with people’s livelihoods for the sake of his ego and his vision. He’s been reckless with how he handles his companies and his image. That’s not leadership. He does not deserve people’s trust.”

The statement instantly sent shockwaves through the audience and the show’s viewers, as De Niro has long been known for his blunt, no-nonsense approach to discussing societal issues. His critique of Musk was a stark contrast to the typical admiration many tech enthusiasts have for the billionaire entrepreneur. The actor’s bold words were in line with his history of speaking out on social and political issues, but this was one of his most direct attacks on a public figure in the business world.

De Niro didn’t stop there. He went on to question Musk’s approach to leadership and the impact his decisions have had on employees and consumers. “He’s running Tesla, SpaceX, and Twitter with the mentality of a businessman who thinks he can do whatever he wants and people will follow,” De Niro said. “It’s not just about making money or innovating—there’s a responsibility that comes with this level of power. He’s been pushing boundaries, sure, but at what cost?”

De Niro’s comments resonated with Behar, who had expressed similar frustrations in the past regarding Musk’s approach to leadership. “He has been a role model for a lot of young people, but now I’m not so sure,” Behar added. “Musk is someone who’s used to getting his way, and his behavior in the past year or two has been reckless. I think it’s time we question whether this is the kind of person we should be celebrating.”

The remarks sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with some fans praising De Niro for his candidness and support of Behar, while others criticized him for attacking a figure who has revolutionized industries like electric vehicles and space exploration. Musk, who is no stranger to controversy, had not responded publicly to De Niro’s comments as of the airing, but his reputation has certainly been a topic of conversation in recent months.

Musk’s leadership at Twitter (now X) has faced scrutiny, particularly after his chaotic handling of layoffs and the ongoing struggle to regain the platform’s previous status as a top social media giant. Similarly, Tesla’s regulatory issues, including investigations into its self-driving software, have sparked debate about Musk’s ability to balance innovation with responsibility. Many critics, including De Niro and Behar, argue that while Musk has undeniably advanced technology, his approach has often been reckless and self-serving.

For De Niro, standing up for Behar and calling out Musk was not just about making a point on the show, but about sending a message that trust and responsibility are essential qualities for anyone in a position of power. In his eyes, Musk’s actions over the past few years have shown that he is unworthy of the level of trust people continue to place in him.

In the end, De Niro’s appearance on The View was a stark reminder that even the most influential figures in the world, like Musk, are not immune to criticism—especially when their actions seem to jeopardize the trust and well-being of others. Whether Musk responds to De Niro’s words or not, the actor’s strong stance has left a lasting impression on the ongoing conversation about trust, leadership, and the consequences of unchecked power in today’s society.