Newsom describes Musk as a ‘big letdown’ and cautions that the US is losing the electric vehicle market to China.

Newsom Critiques Musk’s Impact on Electric Vehicles

California Governor Gavin Newsom labeled Elon Musk as “one of the great disappointments” of our era in a recent interview. He suggested that the Tesla CEO has hindered his own progress in the electric vehicle sector.

“He’s one of the great innovators of our time. It’s kind of heartbreaking to see,” Newsom shared during a conversation with Axios.

This remarks were made amidst a larger discussion touching on the future of the Democratic Party and his connections with figures like former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, as well as Vice President Kamala Harris.

Newsom expressed that his concerns with Musk were both personal and political, recalling that he was one of the initial supporters of Tesla. He pointed out how California’s regulations fostered an environment that helped the company thrive.

“I was a strong advocate for Tesla from the start,” Newsom explained. “California’s policies paved the way for Musk to take risks and become, possibly, a trillionaire.” He criticized Musk, noting that the billionaire isn’t pursuing the electric vehicle mission that originally positioned Tesla as a leader in the industry.

“It was Musk who accelerated the electric vehicle movement. Now, however, he seems to have put the brakes on his innovation and shifted focus toward robotics,” Newsom remarked.

The dialogue also raised the issue of China’s advancing role in the electric vehicle market, with Newsom cautioning that the U.S. is at risk of falling behind as China increases its influence and control over supply chains.

He expressed his worries, saying, “We’re allowing, I think it’s closely tied to President Trump’s approach, a significant misstep over the next decade—ceding the electric vehicle market to China.” Newsom described this as part of a larger narrative affecting the automotive industry and national security.

“China dominates 70% of the global EV market. This isn’t just about cars; it’s a matter of national strategy,” he noted, expressing a strong concern for the future of traditional automakers in America.

Newsom also highlighted China’s expanding influence near the U.S. and specifically mentioned Canada as a part of this troubling trend.

Shifting the conversation, he addressed his relationship with Harris, countering suggestions of rivalry between them. “It’s simply a ridiculous notion. We have a strong bond; I was the one who introduced her at the convention,” he asserted, emphasizing the depth of their friendship spanning over two decades.