At the Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit in Washington, D.C., the topic of past electric vehicle (EV) industry engagements resurfaced with notable remarks from a prominent political figure. During the summit, a discussion took place which revisited the handling of the EV industry and its key players by the previous administration.
In her speech, the speaker referenced her memoir, "107 Days," and highlighted what she deemed a significant oversight — the exclusion of Elon Musk from a major EV event held at the White House in 2021. Musk, recognized for his significant contributions to the EV sector through Tesla, was conspicuously absent from an event that included other major automotive industry leaders.
The 2021 event had featured executives from Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler's parent company, Stellantis. However, Tesla, which stands as the leading EV manufacturer in the nation, was not represented. The absence of Tesla raised questions at the time, which were addressed by the then-Press Secretary, who highlighted the participation of the three largest employers of the United Auto Workers, subtly pointing out Tesla's non-union status.
This decision, according to the speaker at the summit, was politically motivated and lacked foresight. She argued that the recognition of innovation should transcend political alliances and that the incident was a misstep among several by the previous administration. The remarks at the summit serve as a confirmation of suspicions that the snub was a deliberate move to appease labor unions.
Moreover, the speaker suggested that this exclusion may have had broader implications, potentially influencing Musk's political affiliations and donations. Following the event, reports indicated that Musk became a significant supporter of the current President, contributing substantially to Republican-aligned groups.
The speaker further criticized the early legislative priorities of the previous administration, suggesting that focusing on the CHIPS Act and infrastructure bill over addressing inflation and basic family needs was a miscalculation. She emphasized that meeting the basic needs of the people should have been the priority to avoid backlash.
The aftermath of the 2021 event saw a strained relationship between Musk and the previous administration, with Musk openly expressing his disapproval via social media. This tension was exacerbated when the previous President credited another automotive executive for electrifying the industry, undermining Tesla's achievements in the EV market.
The candid insights provided at the summit offer a reflective look at the dynamics of political decision-making and its impact on industry relations. They also highlight the delicate balance between political considerations and the acknowledgement of innovation and progress within key sectors of the American economy.
