In this discussion, Andy Hawkins, Verge transportation editor and expert on the automotive industry, delves into the complex relationship between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. They explore how Musk's political influence might shape the future of Tesla amid Trump’s climate policies. The conversation also highlights potential challenges for the electric vehicle market under a second Trump administration, especially concerning tariffs and regulatory changes. Can Tesla thrive in a contradicting political landscape?
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Elon's Political Journey
Elon Musk claims he voted for Obama and Clinton, and possibly Biden in 2020.
He now aligns with Trump, highlighting his shifting political views.
insights INSIGHT
The Snub
Biden's EV event at the White House excluded Tesla, likely due to Tesla's non-union status.
Musk felt snubbed, which contributed to his shift against Biden and the Democrats.
insights INSIGHT
Government Funding
Elon Musk's main goals involve securing and increasing government funding for his companies, especially SpaceX.
SpaceX heavily relies on government contracts for its space exploration initiatives.
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Today we’re talking about Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and Tesla — and I have to say, it feels like the first of many episodes about these three characters that we’ll be doing over the course of the next four years. Because when Elon used his wealth and influence to help Trump get elected, he also bought himself a seat at the president-elect’s inner circle. But what does the world’s richest person really want in return?
And how is the CEO of an electric car company, an outspoken advocate for combating climate change, going to square his support for Trump and a Republican policy agenda centered on climate change denial? Verge transportation editor Andy Hawkins joins me this week to make sense of it all, and to figure out how Elon and Tesla may still benefit, even if Trump's climate policy reversals and tariffs lay waste to the auto industry.
Links:
What does Trump’s election mean for EVs, Tesla, and Elon Musk? | The Verge
This election will decide what kind of car you’ll buy | The Verge
Trump says Musk will lead ‘DOGE’ office to cut ‘wasteful’ government spending | The Verge
Elon Musk attends Trump's first post-election meeting with House Republicans | CNBC
At Mar-a-Lago, ‘Uncle’ Elon Musk puts his imprint on the Trump transition | NYT
Musk believes in global warming. Trump does not. Will that change? | NYT
Elon Musk helped elect Trump? What does he expect in return? | NYT
With ready orders and an energy czar, Trump plots pivot to fossil fuels | NYT
Tesla hits $1 trillion market value as Musk-backed Trump win fans optimism | Reuters
Trump’s return dims outlook for Chinese EV makers amid tariff threats | SCMP
Credits:
Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Our producers are Kate Cox and Nick Statt. Our editor is Callie Wright. Our supervising producer is Liam James.
Decoder with Nilay Patel 