Sonali Ray, writer
Brief news
- Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro spoke with Elon Musk about potential investments in the state, focusing on job creation and economic opportunities, while avoiding political discussions.
- Shapiro emphasized the importance of unions, despite Musk’s controversial anti-union remarks and ongoing labor law violations by Tesla.
- The conversation occurred amid heightened political activity in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state for upcoming elections, with Musk supporting Trump’s campaign.
Detailed news
Philipsburg, Pennsylvania— The governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, verified to NBC News on Wednesday that he conversed with tech magnate Elon Musk on Sunday. However, he denied that politics was a topic of discussion.
Musk contacted Shapiro during the Pittsburgh Steelers-Dallas Cowboys game in Pittsburgh over the weekend, according to NBC News reporting on Tuesday. The two were linked by Thomas Tull, a Hollywood producer who transitioned to an investor. Musk was seated in Tull’s box.
After an event in Centre County to promote Pennsylvania State Parks, Shapiro stated, “Thomas and Elon were at the Steelers game together and contacted me about some ideas that Elon Musk has in investing in Pennsylvania, creating jobs and economic opportunity. I was pleased to hear about it.”
Musk, who is a Trump supporter and is contributing to a pro-Trump super PAC he established called America PAC, is on the opposite side of the political continuum from Shapiro, a prominent supporter of Vice President Kamala Harris who was previously considered a potential running mate.
Shapiro acknowledged the political divide between him and Musk, stating, “We obviously did not discuss politics” during the call on Sunday.
“We concentrated on the task that I strive to accomplish on a daily basis: the creation of economic opportunity, growth, and employment opportunities in Pennsylvania.” Additionally, he expressed his desire for increased investment, particularly in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Shapiro expressed his belief that “the union way of life is critically important” when asked if he has any reservations regarding Musk’s history of anti-union remarks. They have contributed to the development of our middle class and have bolstered Pennsylvania. Consequently, I will persist in my support of our unions.
In August, the United Auto Workers union filed federal labor charges against both Musk and Trump for comments they made on the platform about firing workers who threaten to strike, following a two-hour public conversation on X.
Additionally, Tesla has been found to have violated labor laws by the National Labor Relations Board on two separate occasions. The first instance occurred in 2018, when Musk questioned the motivations behind Tesla employees’ desire to pay union dues in a tweet. The second instance occurred in 2021, when the company terminated a union activist.
The call between Musk and Shapiro occurred less than 30 days prior to Election Day, as both presidential campaigns are intensifying their efforts in Pennsylvania, a battleground state that could be critical to the success of either candidate. Musk is scheduled to campaign in the state on Trump’s behalf, a fact that Trump emphasized during a rally in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday. During the event, Trump referred to Musk as “fantastic.”
“He intends to accomplish a significant amount.” Trump informed his supporters that he would be participating. “You know, Elon Musk is currently campaigning in Pennsylvania because he is so passionate.”
Musk attended a rally with Trump in Butler, a city north of Pittsburgh that was the site of an attempt to assassinate Trump on July 13, while Shapiro has been barnstorming the state for Harris.
Musk, the CEO of Tesla and the proprietor of X and SpaceX, has a connection to the state as a result of his attendance at the University of Pennsylvania. After the murder in Butler, he officially endorsed Trump.
Musk is “sort of a reclusive individual.” He is extraordinary. On Wednesday, Trump addressed his supporters in Scranton, stating, “He is an absolute genius.” “We must ensure the well-being of our intellectually gifted individuals.”
Source : CNBC News
