Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) joked Thursday about the “bad division” between Elon Musk and the liberals as Democrats condemn the prominent role of tech billionaires in the Trump administration.
After Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) called Musk “co-chairman” at a Senate bank hearing, Moreno denounced the Democratic approach to Tesla and SpaceX CEO as “irony” given the work of electric vehicles (EVs).
“What a terrible division between the left and Elon Musk,” the Ohio Republican said. “I mean, I'm sure Taylor Swift will write a song about this one day.”
Democrats repeatedly criticized Musk for taking on the important role of leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) efforts to reduce government spending and federal workforce.
Musk's relationship with the administration has begun weighing his company, particularly Tesla. EV's shares have plummeted more than 40% since late December.
Liberals have been trying to distance themselves from Tesla in recent weeks, showing frustration with the tech billionaire by dumping masked cars and buying bumper stickers.
Next, the conservatives came to defend Tesla. This is on the surprising aspect, given the typical disgust of rights to EVS.
Trump vowed to buy a Tesla after testing several models in front of the White House. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick encouraged Americans to buy stocks in Tesla. Fox News host and Trump's ally Sean Hannity bought one of the masked cars.
The administration has also pledged to crack down on violent demonstrations targeting Tesla as cars, dealers and charging stations have faced vandalism, shootings and arson attacks in recent weeks.
Attorney General Pam Bondy, who labeled the attack as “domestic terrorism,” announced last week that three perpetrators were facing federal charges.
