In a stunning revelation from her recently released memoir, “107 Days,” former Vice President Kamala Harris opens up about a significant political misstep by President Joe Biden that stirred waves within the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Harris expressed her discern that excluding Tesla CEO Elon Musk from a 2021 White House EV event was a “big mistake.”
A Missed Opportunity in EV Leadership
The event, which was intended to shine a spotlight on the future of electric vehicles in America, took place in August 2021 and featured industry giants like General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis. However, it notably snubbed Tesla, the nation’s leading EV manufacturer. Harris articulated her puzzlement at this decision during a conversation with Fortune Editor-in-Chief Alyson Shontell, stressing, “I mean, here he is, the major American manufacturer of extraordinary innovation in this space.”
Political Allegiances and Union Ties
The exclusion appeared to be linked to union politics, as Tesla plants are non-unionized. While the White House, via then-Press Secretary Jen Psaki, emphasized the focus on United Auto Workers-associated firms, the snub raised questions about political loyalties overshadowing technological recognition. Harris noted, “it simply doesn’t make sense” and argued that technological achievements should outweigh political allegiances.
Musk’s Reaction: A Cooling Relationship
Musk did not take the exclusion lightly, expressing on social media the oddity of Tesla’s absence and subsequently criticizing the administration’s union-driven focus. His initial reaction, coupled with an exacerbated relationship, saw Musk align with political adversaries, illustrating the long-term impact of political gestures. “Yeah, seems odd that Tesla wasn’t invited,” Musk mused, capturing the sentiment within the technological community that favors inclusion and innovation.
The Ripple Effect on Political Backing
The fallout from the decision extended beyond the event itself. Musk later became a significant backer of then-President Donald Trump, contributing millions towards Republican efforts and endorsing Trump for the subsequent election. Harris’s recounting of the incident illuminates how singular political gestures can reverberate through broader political alignments.
Reflective Thoughts from the Former VP
In her introspective commentary, Harris calls for leaders to transcend political confines. “Presidents should put aside political loyalties when it comes to recognizing technological innovation,” Harris urged. Her stance invites a reflection on prioritizing innovation over political affiliations and sets a nuanced dialogue on future decisions regarding national and industrial progress. As stated in Fox News, this incident not only isolated a major player in the EV industry but also arguably shaped political alliances in ways few could have anticipated.