On the evening of March 18, 2025, German talk show host Markus Lanz takes to the airwaves once again with his acclaimed program on ZDF, which has been examining current societal issues since its inception in 2008. Today’s episode, airing at 23:15, brings together four prominent guests to discuss one of this era's most controversial figures: Elon Musk.
The lineup features Herbert Diess, the former CEO of Volkswagen; Cathryn Clüver Ashbrook, a political scientist and expert on U.S. affairs; Sönke Iwersen, an investigative journalist; and Ulf Poschardt, a journalist known for his provocative views. Each guest brings a unique perspective to the conversation around Musk, particularly focusing on his entrepreneurial journey and political entanglements.
Herbert Diess is set to lead the discussion by examining Musk’s innovative abilities. He insists that, despite any political objections people may have, “At the end of the day, he is a great innovator.” This acknowledgment of Musk's impact on industries worldwide underscores Diess's understanding of the businessman’s strengths, placing Musk's inventions like Tesla and SpaceX at the forefront of modern technology. Diess's comments are likely to spark debate among viewers about the complexity of celebrating innovation while grappling with the businessman's contentious political views.
On the contrary, Cathryn Clüver Ashbrook highlights Musk's transformation into a close confidant of Donald Trump. She will describe how their evolving relationship potentially reshapes U.S. political dynamics and what global changes could be on the horizon as both figures exert influence. As a representative of the Bertelsmann Stiftung, her insights offer a critical lens through which to view the intersection of business and politics in America today.
Sönke Iwersen adds to the evening’s exploration by presenting shocking revelations from his investigative work. He has dug through over 100 gigabytes of internal Tesla data, which are central to his contributions in the book “Die Tesla-Files – Enthüllungen aus dem Reich von Elon Musk.” His work promises to unveil intricate details behind the inner workings of one of the world’s most scrutinized companies, ensuring that viewers are engaged with the show's revelations.
Ulf Poschardt provides yet another dimension to the conversation by discussing Elon Musk's controversial endorsements, including a political recommendation for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Poschardt has published articles that underscore these provocative stances, and his admission, "I'm not a fan-boy, but I find the anti-authoritarian aspect of him interesting," hints at a complex appreciation for Musk’s ideals. His perspective is crucial as it reflects the divergences in public perceptions of Musk's political influence.
Viewers can expect tensions to simmer as these guests tackle Musk's polarizing effect on both society and politics. Topics will likely span from technological innovation to ethical responsibilities of billionaires in shaping political landscapes. Lanz, known for his skilled moderation, will navigate these challenging discussions to ensure a balanced dialogue.
The episode promises an enriching discussion filled with differing opinions and insights, highlighting how one individual can become a fulcrum of modern societal and political discourse. Additionally, for those who cannot tune in at 23:15, the episode will be available for streaming on the ZDF media library shortly after airing, allowing a broader audience to engage with these vital conversations.
With the gravity of its subject matter and the expertise of its guests, this episode of “Markus Lanz” not only aims to inform but also to spark debates and reflections among its viewers. It’s an essential viewing for anyone wanting to understand the intricate connections between innovation and politics in today’s world.
