From Snub to Spotlight: Elon Musk’s Journey to White House Favor
Not long ago, an invitation to the White House eluded Elon Musk. In 2021, during President Joe Biden’s announcement of stricter pollution regulations and electric vehicle policies, Tesla, the nation’s largest EV producer, was notably absent. While executives from Ford, Chevrolet, and Jeep stood alongside Biden, the absence of Musk and his company raised eyebrows.
“Seems odd that Tesla wasn’t invited,” Musk tweeted at the time, reflecting what some perceive as a critical moment in the relationship between the tech mogul and the administration. The Biden White House cited Tesla’s non-union status as the reason for the snub, a decision that has led to regret among some Democrats.
“They left Elon out,” said Mike Murphy, a Republican strategist supporting electric vehicles, “and now he hates ’em.”
Fast forward to the present, and the narrative has dramatically shifted. Musk and former President Donald Trump recently showcased Tesla vehicles, including the Cybertruck, on the White House driveway. They touted the cars’ advantages, mimicking a showroom exchange. This marked a significant change in how a US President would like to be seen.
“I love the product,” Trump stated.
“Try it,” Musk responded. “You’ll like it!”
Musk now enjoys the White House attention and promotion he sought years ago. However, this shift has come at a cost. He has contributed about $300 million largely through his own super PAC to support Trump’s potential re-election. Reports indicate he may donate further to Trump’s political operations.
