Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed in a series of tweets last week that the Biden administration had “done everything it could” to “ignore” the auto and clean energy companies while simultaneously opposing the Democratic party railed.
During an exchange with Pod Save America co-host Jon Favreau, who served as speechwriter for former President Barack Obama, Musk responded to the Democratic commentator’s criticism of his switch from supporting Democrats to supporting the GOP.
Musk initially said Wednesday that Democrats used to represent “kindness,” but said they no longer held that mantle.
“In the past I voted Democrats because they were (mostly) the friendliness party.” he tweeted. “But they have become the party of division and hate, so I can no longer support them and will vote Republican.
Favreau questioned Musk’s characterization on Friday, slamming the businessman for his political change of heart.
“Hey man, if you want to support a bunch of climate deniers who hate electric cars, that’s your business.” he wrote. “I’m not sure if it helps the cause you and your team have dedicated a good part of your life to, but I think you’ll get some attention on Twitter, so that’s it!”
The auto executive, who is currently involved in a bid to buy Twitter for $44 billion, responded to Favreau while also lashing out at President Joe Biden’s administration.
“Hello Jon! You’re a good guy but obviously a die-hard dem so you have to support the party but this administration has done everything it can to marginalize and ignore Tesla even though we’ve made twice as many EVs as the rest of the entire US industry.” , he said.
—Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 20, 2022
Favreau replied: “I know you’re pissed that the guy who was part of a White House that made Tesla possible doesn’t give Tesla enough love now, but support for climate-denying MAGA politicians who want to crash an election is.” not the answer . They are much closer to Democrats when it comes to climate and I hope for Democracy.”
Musk replied, “I just switched from moderate D to moderate R, as I think many independent voters have done. We will learn the extent of this trend in November. I think he’s big.”
After Biden took office in January 2021, Musk told Fortune he was excited about the government’s push to address the climate crisis.
“I’m super excited that the new government is focusing on the climate,” he said at the time.
But over time, Musk began to tease Biden for not including Tesla in his push to manufacture electric vehicles across the country. A Change.org petition was even started earlier this year to urge the president to say “Tesla” and include the company in his long-term vision for electric vehicles.
Then, in a February speech, Biden recognized Tesla as the country’s “largest electric vehicle maker.”
“Since 2021, companies have announced investments totaling more than $200 billion in domestic manufacturing here in America,” the president said at the time. “From legendary companies like GM and Ford building new electric vehicle production, to Tesla, our country’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer, to innovative, younger companies like Rivian building electric trucks or Proterra building electric buses.”