Former Vice President Kamala Harris publicly criticized President Joe Biden for not inviting Elon Musk to a pivotal electric vehicle (EV) event at the White House in 2021. Harris called this decision a “big mistake,” highlighting Musk’s significant role as Tesla’s CEO and the leading figure in the EV market.
Details of the 2021 EV Event
In August 2021, President Biden organized an EV event featuring executives from major automotive companies, including General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis. However, Musk was notably absent from the guest list, despite Tesla’s prominence in the electric vehicle sector.
Comments from Kamala Harris
During an interview at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit in Washington, D.C., Harris expressed her disappointment over Musk’s exclusion. She remarked, “Here he is, the major American manufacturer of extraordinary innovation in this space.” Her sentiments echoed her remarks in her memoir, “107 Days,” where she criticized several aspects of Biden’s decisions.
Context of Musk’s Exclusion
- The exclusion of Musk was interpreted as a move to favor the United Auto Workers and support organized labor, considering Tesla’s non-unionized status.
- Then-White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki noted that the event featured major UAW employers, a point that suggested the administration’s loyalty to organized labor.
Reactions from Elon Musk
Following the event, Musk expressed his frustration on social media, questioning the rationale behind Tesla’s absence. He later accused the Biden administration of being overly influenced by union interests and termed it “not the friendliest administration.”
Aftermath of the Event
In the wake of Musk’s exclusion, administration officials reportedly issued an apology. Biden’s team sought to mend relations, but tensions lingered, indicating a continuing rift between Musk and the administration.
Impact on Political Affiliations
Harris suggested that the decision may have lasting effects on Musk’s views, reinforcing her stance that political loyalty should not overshadow recognition of technological innovation. Musk later shifted his political allegiance, becoming a significant financial supporter of Donald Trump’s campaign efforts for the 2024 election.
Kamala Harris’ reflections on this incident emphasize the importance of inclusivity in discussions about innovation and underscore a division that has developed between key figures in the tech and political arenas.
