Elon Musk recently had some sharp comments for CNN anchor Don Lemon about the impact of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies on medical education. The pair had a lively discussion on multiple topics as part of the premiere of Lemon’s show on Musk’s X platform, formerly known as Twitter.  

Musk expressed grave concerns that DEI initiatives will reduce medical standards. “If the standards for passing medical exams and becoming a doctor, especially for something like a surgeon, are lowered, then the probability the surgeon will make a mistake is higher and that may result in people dying,” Musk said. He specifically cited changes at Duke University as evidence of declining standards.

Elon Musk tries to explain how lowering the standards for doctors could result in more deaths.

Don Lemon is unable to grasp the concept.

This entire exchange is incredible. pic.twitter.com/QJ3efuvVAb

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) March 18, 2024

“There’s no evidence of that, Elon,” Lemon countered during the interview. He argued that DEI initiatives are necessary to address systemic biases within the medical field, resulting in disparities in care and outcomes.

Musk stood firm, stressing the potential consequences of lowering standards. “If we lower standards, people will die,” Musk countered.  

Lemon was left unable to counter Musk’s argument that lowering standards for surgeons will inevitably lead to a reduced standard of care expected as the legal standard by which surgeons are judged. The inescapable conclusion is that patient outcomes will directly suffer as a result.

The clash also preceded Lemon’s announcement that Musk had canceled a partnership to distribute Lemon’s show on the X platform, a move that came shortly after their contentious interview.

Conservative commentators have rallied around Musk’s cautionary view, pointing to his concerns as a defense of merit-based achievement and patient welfare. Critics of DEI, especially within the healthcare sector, view this as validation of their fears that prioritizing diversity over competence could have dire consequences.

The Musk-Lemon showdown serves as a microcosm of the more considerable debate surrounding DEI policies across various sectors, particularly in fields as critical as healthcare. Musk’s arguments touch on a core concern that the push for diversity will come at the expense of efficiency, excellence and safety.  

The debate is a reminder that the conversation around DEI is far from over. It also signals a growing demand for evidence-based approaches to integrating diversity initiatives while maintaining the pillars of professional competence and patient safety.