Bloomberg Businessweek Trump Targets Musk’s US Contracts, Subsidies as Feud Grows
Jun 5, 2025
In this discussion, Ed Ludlow, co-host of Bloomberg Technology and an expert in the electric vehicle and space sectors, and Peggy Johnson, CEO of Agility Robotics with a rich background at Magic Leap and Microsoft, tackle the brewing feud between Trump and Musk. They delve into Trump's threat to cut Musk's government contracts, exploring its potential fallout on Tesla's stock. Ludlow highlights the impact of politicized electric vehicle markets, while Johnson shares insights on advancements in humanoid robotics and their implications for the business landscape.
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Rivian's Political Neutrality Strategy
- Rivian positions itself as a politically neutral brand appealing across the spectrum.
- CEO RJ Scaringe emphasizes focusing on product attributes over politics to attract diverse customers.
Rare Earths Risk for EVs
- The rare earth supply chain dependency on China presents a major risk for the EV industry.
- Innovation and building alternative supply chains are essential to reduce this dependency over time.
Plan Supply Chains Early
- Automakers should anticipate geopolitical tensions affecting supply chains.
- Develop backup plans and alternative sources early to mitigate supply risks.
