Tesla CEO and Founder Elon Musk defied a California county’s order against manufacturing on Monday and reopened its electric car plant.
“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,” he tweeted.
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 explained that while California officials said Tesla could operate, an “unelected county official illegally overrode” that decision.
“All other auto companies in US are approved to resume. Only Tesla has been singled out,” he added. “This is super messed up!”
Yes, California approved, but an unelected county official illegally overrode. Also, all other auto companies in US are approved to resume. Only Tesla has been singled out. This is super messed up!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 11, 2020
Conservatives praised Musk's decision.
"This is what principled civil disobedience looks like. And what leadership looks like," author and radio host Eric Metaxas said on Twitter. "Thank you @elonmusk."
This is what principled civil disobedience looks like. And what leadership looks like. Thank you @ElonMusk. https://t.co/Qg0v8Pmcvj
— Eric Metaxas (@ericmetaxas) May 11, 2020
Franklin Graham, meanwhile, said that while he doesn't know Musk personally, he likes "that he’s standing up for his rights, which are your rights too. He’s been trying to get his CA @Tesla manufacturing plant opened back up & his employees back to work, but bureaucrats want to keep him shut down."
I don’t know @ElonMusk, but I like that he’s standing up for his rights, which are your rights too. He’s been trying to get his CA @Tesla manufacturing plant opened back up & his employees back to work, but bureaucrats want to keep him shut down. https://t.co/Nn2dpIPnx8
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) May 12, 2020
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