Elon Musk made a subtle dig at Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who claimed he "frequently" talks with him and that the business magnate supports Texas's ultra-conservative social policies.
One of those policies includes Texas's controversial abortion ban, recently passed by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The "heartbeat bill" would ban abortions after six weeks of pregnancy—well before women even know they are pregnant—and allow private citizens to sue abortion providers and anyone else helping women get abortions.
In an interview with CNBC's Squawk Box, Governor Abbott candidly spoke out against businesses being apprehensive about moving to the Lone Star State due to its hardcore traditional values and policies.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tells @SquawkStreet that he "frequently" talks to Elon Musk, who "had to get out of California because, in part, of the social policies in California."\n\n"Elon consistently tells me that he likes the social policies in the state of Texas."pic.twitter.com/NfRNqdOoZ8— Michael Sheetz (@Michael Sheetz) 1630595627
He asserted the flourishing conservatism in the state isn't "slowing down businesses" but "in fact, it is accelerating the process of businesses coming to Texas."
He added how tech businesses were actually fleeing "very liberal" states like California for Texas.
He added:
"Elon consistently tells me that he likes the social policies in the state of Texas."
However, people had their speculations about Musk and what he might say.
I'm willing to bet @elonmusk doesn't like social policies under @GregAbbott_TX that take away bodily autonomy from his female employees and voting rights from all of his non-white employees.— BlackMatrix (@BlackMatrix) 1630598417
I cannot believe @elonmusk supports the new TX law.— Arek (@Arek) 1630596882
Musk, the founder and CEO of American aerospace manufacturer SpaceX and an early investor and CEO of Tesla, left Silicon Valley for Austin, Texas, where he built a Tesla Gigafactory and a facility for Starlink—a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX.
Musk personally moved to Texas late last year (https://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/08/elon-musk-confirms-he-moved-to-texas.html\u00a0\u2026) and set up major facilities for SpaceX and Tesla in the state:\n\nStarship near Brownsville: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/06/elon-musk-spacex-starship-fully-stacked-is-dream-come-true.html\u00a0\u2026\nStarlink in Austin: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/02/spacex-building-starlink-manufacturing-factory-in-austin-texas.html\u00a0\u2026\nGigafactory near Austin:https://www.cnbc.com/2020/07/22/tesla-will-build-its-next-gigafactory-near-austin-texas.html\u00a0\u2026— Michael Sheetz (@Michael Sheetz) 1630595809
While he has been vocal in the media on a wide range of topics, including his erroneous predictions about the viral pathogen, he does not have a definitive stance when it comes to politics.
However, in response to the Texas Governor referring to Musk, he offered a roundabout way of describing his apolitical stance.
"In general, I believe government should rarely impose its will upon the people, and, when doing so, should aspire to maximize their cumulative happiness," Musk tweeted.
"That said, I would prefer to stay out of politics."
In general, I believe government should rarely impose its will upon the people, and, when doing so, should aspire to maximize their cumulative happiness. That said, I would prefer to stay out of politics.— Elon Musk (@Elon Musk) 1630602021
A handful of Twitter users appreciated his subtle shade at the Governor, and they supported his decision to "stay out of politics," as he proclaimed.
Woman here: driving my Tesla increases my happiness daily. I also appreciate Elon Musks ability to stay out of politics. Makes me a proud Tesla owner.— ALP (@ALP) 1630605864
I agree. Stay out of it. Voters from all sides need to feel welcome at Tesla.— James (@James) 1630602663
Others, however, were very critical of the entrepreneur's reticence.
The bar was so low dude. You could have used this as an opportunity to stand up for something, and you're choosing to be apolitical.— Andrew Sampson (@Andrew Sampson) 1630602211
Sorry. You can't accept government money while stating you prefer to stay out of politics. As a business owner, when you see discriminations of any sort, it is indeed your responsibility to speak out. Many of the great innovators who preceded you did.— Dan Collier (@Dan Collier) 1630609588
All that money you have, & what the government pays you. You could end homelessness for our veterans, families, etc. \nYet, you'd rather "stay out of politics" accumulate more money than you'll ever need in your lifetime. And, for what? To stay an elite member of society...— Patriot For Democracy (@Patriot For Democracy) 1630613842
Elon. Thanks for speaking up. Unfortunately, you will need to do more of this. Your leadership is necessary. Think about your female employees in Texas. How do they feel right now? I know you want to stay out of \u201cpolitics\u201d but this is actually a health care issue.— Eric B johnson (@Eric B johnson) 1630603241
Hey @elonmusk - in Texas, the government is imposing its will on people (women) and it is not to maximize our happiness. If you truly believe this, you will stand up for women to be able to control their own bodies and destiny. Signed, a @Tesla owner— Janet Janssen (@Janet Janssen) 1630626648
Dude, Abbot is straight up name dropping and taking advantage of your relationship trying to suggest you support the new abortion law. This is a big deal you need to do better.— Taylor C (@Taylor C) 1630603054
Abortion isn\u2019t \u201cpolitics,\u201d it\u2019s a vital form of medical care that your employees will absolutely need and deserve to have access to. This is a moment for you to show actual conviction and stand up for reproductive rights.— ella dawson (@ella dawson) 1630641941
Silence on this is consent.— Fully Pfizered & Saying Vote NO ON THE RECALL, CA! (@Fully Pfizered & Saying Vote NO ON THE RECALL, CA!) 1630610201
It seems his declaration about staying out of politics ultimately did little to keep him out of the discussion.
