The audience of The View has never been one to hold back when it comes to voicing their opinions, and Tuesday’s episode was no exception.

Even longtime moderator Whoopi Goldberg appeared momentarily taken aback

when the crowd gave an instant and unanimous response to her opening question regarding billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.

The discussion, part of the show’s Hot Topics segment, centered on concerns about Musk’s level of access to sensitive government information.

The panel played clips featuring Democratic lawmakers raising alarms over the influence the Tesla and SpaceX CEO has on national security matters.

As Whoopi attempted to kick off the discussion by asking, “Are Americans going to be OK with Musk—” she was abruptly cut off.

The audience, seemingly without hesitation, loudly and unanimously shouted, “No!”

The unexpected outburst caused Whoopi to momentarily react with surprise before she chuckled and responded, “Oh, OK!” Despite the overwhelming reaction, she continued with her point, emphasizing that Musk was never elected by the American people but still holds substantial power and influence in crucial areas, including government and defense-related matters.

Concerns Over Musk’s Government Ties

The conversation on The View came as part of a larger discussion regarding Musk’s involvement with various governmental agencies and sensitive projects. His leadership of SpaceX, which has contracts with NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense, along with his control of Starlink satellite services, has sparked concerns among lawmakers.

Additionally, the panelists on The View discussed reports indicating that some officials are wary of Musk’s increasing influence over military-related technology. His decisions regarding the availability of Starlink in conflict zones, particularly in Ukraine, have raised ethical and geopolitical questions. Some critics argue that a single individual having such significant control over satellite communications and defense-related technology poses risks.

A Polarizing Public Figure

Elon Musk remains one of the most divisive figures in modern business and technology. While many admire his innovation and entrepreneurial success, others view him as a controversial figure with unchecked power. His ownership of X (formerly Twitter) has further fueled criticism, as his changes to the platform’s policies have led to debates over free speech, misinformation, and content moderation.

On The View, co-host Sunny Hostin weighed in on the topic, expressing her concerns about how Musk’s influence extends beyond the private sector and into governmental affairs. She pointed out that his close connections with high-ranking officials and his role in defense-related contracts create a unique situation where an unelected billionaire is shaping national security decisions.

Audience Reaction Reflects Public Sentiment

The strong reaction from The View audience may reflect broader public concerns about the influence of tech billionaires in political and governmental affairs. While Musk has a loyal following of supporters who see him as a visionary, there is also a significant portion of the public that views his level of control as problematic.

As the discussion on The View continued, panelists debated the broader implications of billionaires like Musk holding substantial sway over global affairs. The conversation highlighted ongoing tensions regarding corporate influence on politics and national security, a topic that remains a point of contention among both policymakers and the public.

Whoopi’s Surprised Reaction Highlights Growing Frustration

Whoopi Goldberg’s startled reaction to the audience’s unanimous response served as a testament to just how strongly people feel about Musk’s role in global affairs. The moment was yet another example of The View audience making their voices heard, reinforcing the idea that concerns over billionaires’ unchecked power are not going away anytime soon.

As Musk continues to expand his reach across industries, his influence will likely remain a hot-button issue. Whether through his ventures in space, social media, or defense contracts, the debate over his role in shaping policy and national security is far from over. And if Tuesday’s episode of The View was any indication, many Americans have already made up their minds on the matter.