Oh, Gavin Newsom, the gift that keeps on giving—for Republicans, that is. His latest brainchild? A scheme to exclude Tesla from California’s electric vehicle rebate program, all in the name of “promoting competition.” You know, because nothing screams competition like sidelining the market leader. Never mind that Tesla has been the undisputed trailblazer in the EV space, manufacturing their vehicles right in California. It’s almost like Newsom is allergic to success—especially if it’s tied to Elon Musk, a key ally of Donald Trump.
Let’s be real: Newsom’s antics are less about fostering competition and more about making a political statement against the incoming Trump administration. The governor is in full panic mode, calling for “Trump-proof” policies and scrambling to defend his progressive agenda before Trump’s second term officially kicks off. And, of course, who better to throw under the bus than Musk? After all, Elon’s public support for Trump—and his decision to move Tesla’s headquarters to Texas—clearly still stings.
Gavin Newsom says that if Trump removes the $7,500 EV tax credit, California will reboot its own state tax credit program.
The kicker? Tesla would be excluded.
Excluding the largest EV company in the world out of political spite seems sort of petty for a 57 year old man, no? pic.twitter.com/bWfvSLcGFN
— Stock Talk (@stocktalkweekly) November 25, 2024
But here’s the kicker: Newsom has the audacity to brag about how his policies supposedly made Tesla and Musk “so damn successful.” Oh, really? The same policies that nearly drove Musk out of California entirely? Let’s not forget the pandemic-era shutdowns, the oppressive tax environment, and a regulatory nightmare that made Texas look like paradise in comparison. Now, Newsom wants to block Tesla from the rebate program that helped put EVs in Californian driveways in the first place. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you.
Musk isn’t taking this lying down, either. He called the proposal “insane,” pointing out the absurdity of excluding the only company that actually manufactures EVs in California. He’s right. Tesla has led the charge (pun intended) on zero-emission vehicles, holding a 55% market share in the state. Compare that to Hyundai’s 6.4% or BMW’s 5.5%, and it’s clear this isn’t about fostering competition—it’s about settling political scores.
🚨 ELON BLASTS CALIFORNIA’S EV CREDIT PLAN FOR EXCLUDING TESLA
Gov. Newsom’s proposed EV tax credit revival aims to exclude Tesla, despite the company’s substantial local manufacturing presence.@elonmusk:
“Even though Tesla is the only company who manufactures their EVs in… https://t.co/hv1FEf67zw pic.twitter.com/bU8pS11BCT
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 25, 2024
Meanwhile, Newsom is banking on the state’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to bankroll this new program, conveniently ignoring California’s looming $2 billion budget shortfall. And let’s not forget the state’s $46.8 billion deficit from last year. But sure, Gavin, let’s keep playing politics instead of addressing California’s real problems, like the skyrocketing cost of living and the homelessness crisis Trump so aptly called out.
Newsom’s desperation to “Trump-proof” California isn’t just misguided—it’s downright hypocritical. If he truly cared about a “clean transportation future,” he’d recognize that Tesla is the gold standard. Instead, he’s busy pandering to his progressive base, even if it means tanking his state’s flagship EV manufacturer.
In Gavin Newsom’s mind, he made Elon Musk and it’s his right to destroy him if he chooses. The governor floated a plan to exclude the only EV made in the state (Tesla) from its EV credit program. Over half of the state’s EVs sold are Tesla… pic.twitter.com/1C6wYcQ1De
— @amuse (@amuse) November 26, 2024
It’s a move so ridiculous that it almost makes you wish California had a rebate program for common sense. Too bad Gavin wouldn’t qualify.
