Elon Musk’s exclusion from 2021 EV event sparks lasting grudge leading to Tesla CEO’s support for Trump Harris suggests
Kamala Harris, the former U.S. Vice President, expressed her regret over a significant oversight during a 2021 White House event on electric vehicles. This event, held in August 2021, included prominent executives from major automakers such as General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, yet Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, was notably absent. Harris labeled this exclusion as a “big mistake,” emphasizing Tesla’s critical role as the leading electric vehicle manufacturer in the United States.
Musk’s Exclusion and Its Implications
In her memoir, *107 Days*, Harris pointed out that excluding Musk from the proceedings was a misstep. She told Fortune, “I thought it was a big mistake to not invite Elon Musk to the big EV event.” Harris referred to Musk as a crucial figure in innovation within the electric vehicle sector, stating, “He is the major American manufacturer of extraordinary innovation in this space.”
The Political Context
Harris noted that Musk’s absence was largely interpreted as a move to align with the interests of organized labor, particularly the United Auto Workers (UAW), as Tesla’s factories are non-unionized. She highlighted that while the administration’s decision aimed to send a message regarding Musk’s anti-union views, she believed the choice to exclude him was illogical.
Long-Term Effects on Musk’s Political Affiliations
According to Harris, Musk’s feelings toward the snub were likely profound and had a lasting impact on his political stance. She stated, “I don’t know Elon Musk, but I have to assume that this hit him hard.” The memoir details how this exclusion influenced Musk’s later alignment with former President Donald Trump.
Financial Support to Republican Campaigns
- Musk endorsed Trump for the 2024 election.
- He contributed approximately $300 million to Republican campaign efforts.
Harris underscored that Musk never truly moved past the slight, implying that this incident fostered a long-lasting grudge that shaped his future political support.
Conclusion
The fallout from Musk’s exclusion from the 2021 event illustrates the complex interplay between technology, politics, and labor relations in the automotive industry. As electric vehicles continue to dominate discussions about the future of transportation, recognizing key innovators like Musk could have significant implications for political relationships and stakeholder engagement.
