Former Vice President Kamala Harris recently expressed her views on an important moment from 2021 concerning electric vehicles and Elon Musk. Harris stated that her former boss, President Joe Biden, committed a “big mistake” by not inviting Musk to a White House event focused on electric vehicles. This omission stands out as Tesla was, and still is, a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles in the country.
At that August 2021 event, top executives from General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis gathered, but Musk was notably absent. Harris shared her thoughts during a discussion with Fortune’s Editor-in-Chief, Alyson Shontell, at the Most Powerful Women Summit in Washington, D.C. She recalled writing in her memoir, “107 Days,” about her belief that the White House had erred in this decision, emphasizing Musk’s significance in the EV industry. “Here he is, the major American manufacturer of extraordinary innovation in this space,” she remarked.
The decision not to invite Musk sparked significant debate. Many interpreted it as an intentional move to support the United Auto Workers (UAW) and other organized labor groups since Tesla’s plants are not unionized. In her book, Harris noted that Biden’s actions appeared to send a message about Musk’s stance on unionization. She candidly stated that the decision to exclude him “simply doesn’t make sense.”
In response, then-White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki articulated that the guest list consisted of “the three largest employers of the United Auto Workers.” This emphasis on established automakers highlighted the administration’s focus on union jobs, which contrasts with Tesla’s non-union status. When pressed on whether Musk’s absence was partly punitive, Psaki said, “I’ll let you draw your own conclusion,” leaving the matter open for interpretation.
Harris’s perspective underscores a critical point about the relationship between technological innovation and political loyalty. She argued that political figures should prioritize recognizing groundbreaking achievements over partisan considerations. “I thought that was a mistake,” she said, adding that while she did not know Musk personally, she believed the incident would have impacted his views significantly.
Following the event, Musk’s displeasure became evident. He took to social media to voice his concerns, questioning why Tesla was not invited. A month later, he escalated his criticism, suggesting the Biden administration was “controlled by unions” and wasn’t an ally to Tesla. This public fallout indicates the personal impact such diplomatic missteps can have on high-profile figures like Musk.
Amid the growing tensions, there were reports that administration officials later apologized to Musk for the oversight. Nevertheless, the aftermath suggests that hard feelings lingered. Harris mentioned in her book that the exclusion not only alienated Musk but also affected his political affiliations, as he later became an ally of former President Donald Trump, even endorsing him for the upcoming 2024 election and contributing significantly to Republican campaigns.
Harris’s insights serve as a reminder of the delicate balance leaders must maintain between supporting organized labor and recognizing influential innovators. Her reflections highlight how decisions in the political arena can resonate beyond the immediate context of an event, shaping relationships and political landscapes in profound ways.
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