Comedian Bill Burr recently made headlines as he continued his biting critique of billionaire Elon Musk during a guest appearance on ABC's The View on March 20, 2025. Burr, known for his sharp wit and observational comedy, has launched pointed criticisms at Musk and the so-called "nerds" who, according to Burr, are shaping the future without possessing the social skills to relate to others.
During the lively discussion, co-host Joy Behar posed a question about whether there's anyone currently inspiring his ire more than usual. Burr did not hold back, stating, "Nerds! The nerds that own the politicians. All these tech nerds that want to build robots because they don’t know how to talk to hot women. They’re gonna take over the world. They are literally going to replace us.” His remarks struck a humorous yet alarming chord about the evolving landscape of technology and its influencers.
Burr elaborated on his feelings toward Musk, saying, "I think Elon has got the rockets going because they realize there’s other Earths out there and they’re gonna trash this one because they don’t have any concern for it.” This comment underscores Burr's disdain for Musk’s ventures in space exploration, which, he argued, are indicative of a broader irresponsibility towards Earth.
Earlier in March, Burr had also slammed Musk during an appearance on NPR's Fresh Air, labeling him "that idiot Elon Musk” and alleging a disturbing association with a Nazi salute. He said, “That guy, who evidently is a Nazi, like, I just refuse to believe that it was an accidental. Two times ‘Sieg heil,’ and he does it at a presidential inauguration.” Burr's outburst was a lamentation of the current political climate where he feels that figures like Musk operate with impunity.
Far from just a one-time dig, Burr's jabs at the billionaire entrepreneur have become a recurring theme in his media appearances, especially as he promotes his Broadway debut in Glengarry Glen Ross and his new comedy special Drop Dead Years. He expresses concern that the technocratic elite are moving towards taking over facets of everyday life, asserting that “they don’t realize that they're going to die; these people don’t seem to grasp their own mortality.”
Burr’s criticisms extend beyond isolated individuals to encompass a broader commentary on politics and society. On The View, he took a cynical view of politicians, declaring, “They don’t make any money; they’re set up to be bribed, and in the end, they’re all worth like $50 to $100 million. And everybody thinks one side is better than the other.” Burr’s disdain for the political establishment reflects a broader skepticism shared by many regarding the motivations and integrity of elected officials.
As Burr continues to navigate his comedic career while tackling serious issues, he acknowledges the evolving nature of his comedy. In the same segment, he shared insights about his personal growth as he navigated his new roles as a husband and father. "I got married and had kids, so my home life changed, and I realized I needed to work on my anger issues," Burr revealed, hinting at the maturation of his comedic lens.
Despite facing criticism for his past remarks about women, Burr approached the topic with humor during his appearance. He mentioned how his wife's apprehension about him doing the show stemmed from his prior jokes on the subject, stating, "My wife was freaking out that I was coming on the show. Yeah, she was like ‘Who the hell booked you on that show? You say all this dumb stuff about women, don’t go on that show.’" Such moments of self-awareness illustrate the comedian's growth and adaptability amid criticism.
In the broader context of his reflections, Burr noted the negative implications of partisan media culture, where networks like CNN and Fox are often seen as amplifying panic and division. He remarked, “It’s a weird time. I just feel like someone needs to bring the boiling water down to a simmer and everybody on both sides... it’s all, ‘ahhhhhh!’” Burr’s call for a more sane discourse resonates with audiences feeling overwhelmed by the extremes of political and social discussions today.
As his appearances continue to garner attention, Burr’s mix of humor and incisive critique reveals not just his comedic style but also his keen observations about society's direction under tech moguls like Musk. What's certain is that whether he's on stage or on a talk show, Burr's voice remains one that challenges and provokes thought while eliciting laughter.
With his new projects and unrepentant critiques, Bill Burr is positioning himself not just as a comedian but as a cultural commentator, questioning the priorities of the influential figures shaping contemporary society.
