Gary Zhou 
- 🏛️ President Biden’s close affiliation with the UAW.
- 🚫 Ignored Tesla’s meeting requests multiple times.
- 📅 Timeline of Musk and Biden’s ongoing feud.
- 🏢 Tesla excluded from 2021 EV manufacturers’ meeting.
- 🔋 Biden praised Ford, GM, and Dodge-Chrysler over Tesla.
- 🔧 Discussions around Tesla’s non-union status.
- 🗣️ Musk’s appeal to right-wing audiences recently.
- 🗳️ Musk endorsed Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election.
- ❗ Trump and VP candidate JD Vance’s mixed views on EVs.
- 🚫 Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 election; Harris as Democratic nominee.
The electric vehicle (EV) industry is evolving rapidly, and Tesla is undoubtedly one of the biggest players in this field. However, recent revelations have shed light on a long-standing rivalry between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and U.S. President Joe Biden. This feud touches upon the themes of union politics, corporate strategy, and political endorsements, making it a topic of great interest and significance.
The Union Politics at Play
Biden’s Affiliation with the UAW
President Biden’s close association with the United Automotive Workers (UAW) has been a significant factor in the ongoing clash with Tesla. The UAW is a powerful labor union in the U.S., representing workers in the automotive industry. Biden’s administration has often praised traditional automotive giants like Ford, General Motors (GM), and Dodge-Chrysler, all of which have strong ties with the UAW.
Tesla’s Exclusion: A Timeline
The friction began to surface prominently when Tesla was excluded from a White House meeting for EV manufacturers in August 2021. Despite Tesla’s considerable market share, selling about two-thirds of all EVs in the U.S. at that time, the company was left out of this crucial meeting. This exclusion was seen by many as a snub to Tesla due to its non-unionized workforce.
The Musk-Biden Feud: A Detailed Timeline
- Early Ignored Requests: Tesla made several attempts to engage with the Biden administration, which went unanswered.
- August 2021 EV Manufacturers Meeting: Tesla was notably excluded, despite its dominant market position.
- Public Statements: Biden praised legacy automakers for leading in EV innovations, overlooking Tesla’s contributions.
- Musk’s Public Reactions: Musk retaliated on social media, accusing Biden of being “utterly controlled” by the UAW and claiming that Biden would rather see Tesla fail than succeed without a unionized workforce.
The Corporate and Political Implications
Biden’s Praise for Ford, GM, and Dodge-Chrysler
Biden’s admiration for Ford, GM, and Dodge-Chrysler was evident when he credited GM CEO Mary Barra with “electrifying the entire automobile industry.” This praise was seen as a deliberate slight to Tesla, which had played a pioneering role in the EV market. It became apparent that Tesla’s non-union status was a critical issue in its strained relationship with the administration.
Unspoken Agreements
The Wall Street Journal reported that the Biden administration had an unspoken understanding with the UAW, signaling an implicit agreement to overlook Tesla. A former union official stated that there was no need for an ultimatum from the UAW; the administration understood their position against non-union automakers like Tesla.
Musk’s Political Shift and Endorsements
Shift to Right-Wing Audiences
In recent months, Musk has started appealing more to right-wing audiences. He has criticized what he calls the “woke mind virus” and has voiced concerns over various Republican talking points, including illegal immigration, vaccines, voter fraud, and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives. This shift marks a significant departure from his earlier political stance.
Endorsement of Donald Trump
Elon Musk officially endorsed Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election, labeling Trump as “tough” and comparing him to Theodore Roosevelt. This endorsement came despite Trump and his running mate JD Vance’s historically mixed views on EVs. While Trump recently claimed to be a “fan of EVs and Musk,” Vance has often expressed doubts about the long-term benefits of the EV shift.
What’s Next for the EV Market?
Biden’s Withdrawal from the 2024 Election
In a surprising turn of events, Biden decided to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Current VP Kamala Harris has stepped up as the Democratic nominee. This shift could potentially change the dynamics between the administration and Tesla, although it remains to be seen how a Harris-led administration would navigate the union politics intertwined with the EV industry.
Conclusion
The feud between Elon Musk and President Joe Biden is multifaceted, touching on issues of union politics, corporate strategy, and personal rivalries. As the 2024 elections approach and new developments unfold, the EV industry and its stakeholders must carefully watch how these political and corporate battles shape the future.
Stay tuned for more updates on this captivating story, and don’t forget to share your thoughts on where you think this rivalry is heading in the comments below!
