Tesla CEO Elon Musk thanked President Trump on Twitter after Trump sided with him on his decision to reopen his California manufacturing plant in defiance of the state’s mandatory coronavirus shutdown order.
“California should let Tesla & @elonmusk open the plant, NOW,” the president tweeted Tuesday. “It can be done Fast & Safely!”
California should let Tesla & @elonmusk open the plant, NOW. It can be done Fast & Safely!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 12, 2020
Trump’s tweet earned a “thank you” tweet from Musk.
Thank you!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 12, 2020
Musk announced Monday that his plant would be reopening in Alameda County, California, and let officials know where to find him if they decide to arrest him.
“Tesla is restarting production today against Alameda County rules,” Musk tweeted. “I will be on the line with everyone else. If anyone is arrested, I ask that it only be me.”
Tesla is restarting production today against Alameda County rules. I will be on the line with everyone else. If anyone is arrested, I ask that it only be me.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 11, 2020
Musk has joined with people across the country who have grown frustrated with strict lockdown measures imposed by states such as California that remain in effect.
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Over the weekend, Musk said he plans to sue Alameda County and move his company out of California and relocate to Nevada or Texas.
“Tesla is filing a lawsuit against Alameda County immediately. The unelected & ignorant ‘Interim Health Officer’ of Alameda is acting contrary to the Governor, the President, our Constitutional freedoms & just plain common sense!” Musk said.
“Frankly, this is the final straw. Tesla will now move its HQ and future programs to Texas/Nevada immediately. If we even retain Fremont manufacturing activity at all, it will be dependent on how Tesla is treated in the future. Tesla is the last carmaker left in CA,” he added.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday that he has great reverence for Musk and believes an agreement can be made to keep the company from leaving.
“I have great expectations that we can work through the county issue, this particular county,” Newsom said. “We’re working on these issues in real time.”
