When The World's Richest Man Is Upset, The US President Must Cheer Him!

US President Joe Biden has finally acknowledged the role of Elon Musk and Tesla. (photo: twitter @potus)

JAKARTA - US President Joe Biden finally publicly acknowledged Tesla's role in the manufacture of electric vehicles in the US on Tuesday, February 8. This was done after Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk repeatedly complained and was annoyed that he felt his role in building electric vehicles (EVs) had been neglected.

"From iconic companies like GM and Ford building new electric vehicle production lines, to Tesla, our nation's largest electric vehicle maker, to other young, innovative companies," said Biden, who said they would restore the glory of the manufacturing industry to "return to America." after decades."

Biden also pledged to provide an additional $4,500 tax incentive on every electric vehicle made in the United States. But this has instead sparked clashes between unionless automakers in the US, Tesla and Toyota Motor Corp. on the one hand, and automakers affiliated with Detroit's United Auto Workers on the other.

Musk also opposes government funding to subsidize electric vehicle charging stations. This attitude makes Musk even more "hostile" by other automakers in the US.

Last month, Biden chose to meet with General Motors Chief Executive Mary Barra instead of meeting Musk. Even the White House has repeatedly praised the Detroit automaker's electric vehicle efforts, even though they sell far fewer EVs than Tesla.

After Biden met with Barra in January and tweeted a video of the two talking, an irritated Musk replied, "Started with T/Ended with A/ESL in the middle" and then compared Biden to a "wet sock doll".

Biden's own attitude is not without reason. In September 2021, Musk criticized Biden's electric vehicle policies that were apparently controlled by unions in the US. He also criticized Biden in August when he was not invited to a White House event.

"(They) didn't mention Tesla once and praised GM and Ford for leading the EV revolution. Does that sound a little biased?" Musk said in a panel discussion. "Not a friendly government, it seems (they are) controlled by the unions."

When asked in August why the White House didn't invite Musk because Tesla workers are not unionized, White House press secretary Jen Psaki responded diplomatically. "I'll let you draw your own conclusions," said Psaki.

When asked about Biden's mention of Tesla last Tuesday, Psaki seemed to have corrected his earlier remarks. "We all know that Tesla is a major producer of electric vehicles," he said. He added that the White House saw a "huge opportunity" for the United States from the industry as a whole.