Former Vice President Kamala Harris recently criticized President Joe Biden for a significant oversight in 2021. She highlighted that excluding Elon Musk from a White House electric vehicle (EV) event was a “big mistake.” Harris made her remarks during the Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit in Washington, D.C.
Key Events and Context
In August 2021, Biden hosted an event with executives from major automakers, such as General Motors and Ford, to push for ambitious zero-emission vehicle goals. Notably, Tesla, the leading EV manufacturer in the U.S., was absent from these discussions.
At the time, White House press secretary Jen Psaki explained that the event featured “the three largest employers of the United Auto Workers,” emphasizing Tesla’s non-union status, which sparked speculation about the motivations behind the exclusion.
Harris’ Critique of the Biden Administration
During her conversation with Fortune Editor-in-Chief Alyson Shontell, Harris stated, “I thought it was a big mistake to not invite Elon Musk.” She asserted that Musk represents major innovation in the American automotive industry, and his absence had lasting implications.
Harris’s reflection is part of her memoir, “107 Days,” which also discusses her concerns about Biden’s decision to pursue re-election amidst health challenges. Recently, Biden has been undergoing radiation and hormone therapy for Stage 4 prostate cancer.
The Broader Implications of Musk’s Exclusion
Harris indicated that the decision to sideline Musk may have skewed public perception and soured relations. Musk, who has remained vocal about his frustrations with the administration, had previously labeled it as “not the friendliest” towards Tesla.
Political Repercussions
Since the exclusion, Musk has shifted his political support toward the Republican Party, contributing nearly $300 million to GOP-aligned groups during the current election cycle. Harris noted that the Biden administration’s early legislative actions surrounding infrastructure and technology should have prioritized pressing issues like childcare and family leave.
Bidens’ Health and Ongoing Challenges
As Biden faces significant health challenges, including a visible decline during public appearances, the administration has also grappled with the ramifications of its decisions. Reports suggest that pressure from labor unions influenced the White House’s choice to exclude Tesla.
Despite later attempts to mend fences between Musk and top aides, tensions persisted. Musk’s growing alignment with Republican figures, specifically his connections to Donald Trump’s camp, signals a shift in the political landscape that may stem from these significant oversights.
Conclusion
Harris’s comments, reflecting an acknowledged misstep by the Biden administration, underline ongoing challenges in balancing labor relations with innovation recognition. The future of the Biden administration may hinge on addressing these dynamics and rectifying any reputational damage among key technological leaders.
