Trending Now - Newsom Criticizes Musk as a Major Letdown for California
WHO:
Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (D-Calif.)
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Inc. and SpaceX
Lauren Sanchez, Chair of the California Air Resources Board (CARB)
Peter Thiel, entrepreneur and co-founder of Palantir Technologies Inc.
Dave Regan, union boss
Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (D-Calif.)
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Inc. and SpaceX
President Donald Trump
Lauren Sanchez, Chair of the California Air Resources Board (CARB)
Peter Thiel, entrepreneur and co-founder of Palantir Technologies Inc.
Dave Regan, union boss
WHAT:
Newsom described Musk as “one of the great innovators of our time,” and compared him to inventor Thomas Edison, stating, “He's the Edison of our time. It breaks my heart.”
Newsom stated, “I’ve been one of their biggest proponent supporters,” referring to his support for Tesla.
Newsom described Musk as “one of the great disappointments” during an interview with Axios on March 25th, 2026.
Newsom stated that Musk has become a “multi-billionaire, maybe trillionaire” due to California's favorable regulatory environment.
Newsom expressed concerns about the growth of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), stating they hold 70% of the global EV market.
Newsom mentioned a tariff agreement between Canada and China that could allow over 49,000 Chinese-made EVs into Canada at a lower tariff rate, with potential for that figure to be extended to 70,000.
Newsom criticized Tesla’s shift from automobiles to robotics, stating, “He’s put the brakes on his own innovation in that space [automobiles].”
WHERE:
California, United States
Canada
WHEN:
Newsom's interview with Axios took place on March 25th, 2026.
The tariff agreement mentioned by Newsom is relevant as of March 2026.
WHY:
Newsom criticized Musk and Trump for allowing Chinese EVs to grow on the global stage, calling it the “greatest own goal.” He expressed concern about the implications for American legacy automobile manufacturers.
Newsom's disappointment in Musk stems from Musk's association with President Trump and the perceived impact on American legacy automobile manufacturers.
Newsom fears the implications of the growing Chinese EV market on national security and American automotive industry.
HOW:
Newsom's administration previously hailed the deal between China and Canada, with Lauren Sanchez expressing excitement about the developments.
Newsom's administration previously hailed the deal between China and Canada, indicating a supportive stance on the agreement.
(UPDATED March 27, 2026 19:19 UTC)
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently praised Elon Musk as "one of the great innovators of our time," likening him to Thomas Edison while expressing his support for Tesla. However, Newsom also criticized Musk and Trump for enabling the rise of Chinese electric vehicles, describing it as the "greatest own goal" and raising concerns for American auto manufacturers. This comes after Newsom's administration celebrated a deal between China and Canada, with California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez expressing enthusiasm for the developments.
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(UPDATED March 27, 2026 15:17 UTC)
In an interview with Axios on March 25, Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, expressed disappointment in Elon Musk, calling him “one of the great disappointments” and criticizing his shift from automobiles to robotics. Newsom highlighted Musk's immense wealth, attributing it to California's favorable regulatory environment, while also raising concerns about the dominance of Chinese electric vehicles, which hold 70% of the global market. He mentioned a tariff agreement between Canada and China that could allow a significant influx of Chinese-made EVs into Canada, emphasizing the potential risks to American automotive manufacturers and national security.