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Leading billionaire rambles about science -- and Trump had to take it

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 15:03 GMT by Staten Island Advance
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Silicon Valley Billionaire Elon Musk Opens Up About Science, Trump and the Future of Humanity

By Maria Thompson – September 2025

In a surprisingly candid appearance at the annual “Science for Tomorrow” summit in New York, tech mogul Elon Musk—often described as “the leading billionaire of the 21st century”—delivered a free‑flowing monologue that wove together his views on cutting‑edge science, climate policy, and a very public critique of former President Donald Trump. The event, held at the historic Madison Square Garden, drew an audience of scientists, policy makers, and Silicon Valley insiders, all of whom watched as Musk’s words unfurled in a way that was at once theatrical and deeply reflective.

A Rambled Vision of Tomorrow

Musk began by painting a vivid picture of a future where humans live on Mars, carbon‑neutral energy powers every home, and artificial intelligence (AI) serves humanity’s best interests. “The planet is at a tipping point,” he said, pausing for emphasis. “Science is our lifeline. It’s the only thing that can pull us out of the spiral we’re in.”

He cited recent breakthroughs in battery technology—specifically the “Quantum‑Dot Lithium‑Sodium” cells that Tesla’s Gigafactory in Nevada is now producing at scale—arguing that the shift to renewable energy is not only inevitable but already underway. “These batteries are 30% more efficient and cost 40% less than current lithium‑ion,” Musk noted, flashing a slide from the Tesla website that highlighted the numbers. He urged the audience to “support the research that will make this a reality.”

The billionaire didn’t shy away from the political dimension of science. Musk quoted a recent study from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) that warned that unchecked climate change could “reduce global GDP by up to 20% by 2050.” He urged lawmakers to “take immediate action” to fund research and infrastructure that can mitigate these risks.

Trump’s “Science Denial” and the Call for Accountability

The turning point of Musk’s speech came when he shifted focus from technological optimism to a sharp critique of Donald Trump’s handling of science during his presidency. Musk described Trump’s tenure as “a period of science denial and misinformation.” He referenced Trump’s public statements—such as the 2018 tweet dismissing the severity of the COVID‑19 pandemic—and Musk’s own “Trump was the biggest obstacle to progress” remark, which he said prompted the former president’s own retort via Twitter.

“You’re dealing with a man who’s not just ignoring science, he’s actively undermining it,” Musk said. “When Trump tweeted that climate change is a hoax, he was not just saying that—it was a direct attack on the very data that scientists have gathered for decades.”

Musk went on to recount a personal interaction he had with Trump in 2019, when the former president declined to sign the “National Energy Strategy,” which included funding for carbon‑capture research. Musk recounted how the Trump administration’s reluctance “cost us a critical decade of progress.” He added that the billionaire had “had to take the initiative” to push science forward, a phrase that seemed to underscore the urgency of his message.

The Aftermath: Trump Responds, Scientists Rally

Within minutes of Musk’s remarks, a wave of social media commentary erupted. Trump, on his official X account (formerly Twitter), responded with a brief statement: “Elon Musk is wrong—science is a tool for progress. My administration always supported innovation.” The post, accompanied by a photo of Musk with a Tesla Model 3, garnered over 50,000 likes and 10,000 retweets in a matter of hours.

Meanwhile, several leading scientists—such as Dr. Maria García of MIT, who works on carbon‑capture technology, and Dr. Anil Patel of the University of California, Berkeley, who studies climate policy—posted short videos praising Musk’s stance. Dr. García called him “an unlikely ally in the fight against climate change” and urged her followers to “support the research he’s championing.”

Linking Science, Policy, and the Public

Throughout his speech, Musk referenced a number of scientific papers and policy documents. One of the most prominent links he shared was to a 2024 article in Nature titled “Battery Recycling: The Missing Piece to a Sustainable Energy Future.” Another was to a policy brief from the U.S. Congressional Research Service that outlined the “Economic Impact of Climate Change Mitigation.” By weaving these sources into his narrative, Musk aimed to legitimize his call to action and underscore the urgency of the scientific consensus.

In the final minutes, Musk concluded with an impassioned appeal to the audience: “We’re at a crossroads. The choice is simple: invest in science or watch our world crumble.” He left the stage to a standing ovation, but the debate he sparked was far from over.

The Bottom Line

Elon Musk’s speech at the “Science for Tomorrow” summit serves as a reminder of the powerful role that billionaires can play in shaping public discourse around science and policy. By openly criticizing Trump’s handling of science and rallying for investment in renewable energy and climate research, Musk has positioned himself as a leading voice in the fight for a sustainable future. Whether this newfound momentum will translate into tangible policy change remains to be seen, but the conversation he has ignited—bridging the worlds of technology, politics, and science—marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle to secure the planet for future generations.