German Minister Jörg Steinbach recently shared some insights about his political disagreements with Tesla CEO Elon Musk and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Despite their differences, Steinbach expressed that he still values Musk and the company’s Gigafactory in Brandenburg.
In an interview with German outlet Tagesspiegel, Steinbach revealed that he had engaged in heated debates with Musk leading up to the election. He mentioned that he found Trump’s victory to be “highly problematic” and stated that he wouldn’t congratulate Musk on the outcome. However, Steinbach acknowledged Musk’s role as an investor, entrepreneur, and innovator, noting that Musk was open to some of his criticisms.
The Minister disclosed that he had exchanged lengthy text messages with Musk in the months before the election, expressing his concerns about Trump’s policies and the implications for democracy. Despite their disagreements, Steinbach and Musk agreed to disagree on certain issues.
While Steinbach criticized bureaucracy in Germany, he anticipated that Musk would eventually realize the challenges posed by Trump’s stance on climate protection and government regulations. He predicted that Musk might retract his support for the President-elect in the near future.
Regarding Tesla’s Gigafactory in Brandenburg, Steinbach highlighted its significance in the automotive industry’s transition towards electric vehicles. He emphasized that Tesla’s presence in Germany could help mitigate the impact of companies struggling to adapt to the EV shift. Steinbach also mentioned Tesla’s plans to expand its facility in Grünheide, which could create job opportunities for workers affected by the industry’s transformation.
Despite the challenges faced by traditional automakers like Volkswagen, Steinbach advocated for electrification and urged companies to prioritize EV development over internal combustion engines. He commended Volvo’s decision to focus on EVs and suggested that other manufacturers should follow suit.
In conclusion, Steinbach emphasized the importance of Tesla’s role in Germany’s automotive sector and expressed optimism about the company’s ability to drive sustainable transportation initiatives. He believed that Tesla’s influence in the country was underrated and highlighted the potential for job creation at the Gigafactory. Overall, Steinbach’s perspective underscored the value of collaboration and innovation in navigating the industry’s evolving landscape.