Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez tends to “go viral” on Twitter for one of two reasons: her controversial legislation or her insistence on aggressively using profanity. The latter, unfortunately, is the reason why many saw her discourse with Tesla CEO Elon Musk hitting headlines over the weekend.
Musk threatened to move Tesla out of California after public health officials refused to give Tesla the green light to begin the reopening process.
Frankly, this is the final straw. Tesla will now move its HQ and future programs to Texas/Nevada immediately. If we even retain Fremont manufacturing activity at all, it will be dependen on how Tesla is treated in the future. Tesla is the last carmaker left in CA.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 9, 2020
The entrepreneur had grown understandably frustrated with endless bureaucratic delay and malfeasance, which had singled out Tesla in not allowing the company to reopen while other manufacturers were permitted to.
But never missing a chance to jump into controversy, Assemblywoman Gonzalez took to Twitter with some choice words for Musk.
F*ck Elon Musk.
— Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (@LorenaSGonzalez) May 10, 2020
She got a good dose of backlash from the Twitter community for her provocative remark. “This is truly terrible seeing a Government official adopting a language like this,” said one user. Others were quick to call her out for being so openly offensive to a business owner, and attempting to demean him for exercising his right to free enterprise.
Upon seeing the distaste that many Twitter users expressed for her comment, Gonzalez attempted to walk it back with two subsequent tweets.
And, the deaths from Covid-19 in California are disproportionately Latino. Our communities have been the hardest hit. By far. Maybe that’s why we take the public health officials’ warning and directions so seriously.
— Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (@LorenaSGonzalez) May 10, 2020
Musk, seemingly unfazed by her attempt to save face, offered a concise response to her initial tweet.
Message received
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 11, 2020
After the interaction, the Tesla CEO explained the situation further by replying to a tagged post, stating that he was “singled out” by the Alameda County government in a discriminatory manner.
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
Even President Donald Trump jumped in and came to Musk’s defense.
California should let Tesla & @elonmusk open the plant, NOW. It can be done Fast & Safely!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 12, 2020
Twitter certainly exemplifies the crossfire of opinions that need to be balanced when deciding when businesses should be allowed to begin the reopening process. It’s clear that many are growing eager to reopen as soon as possible—and for good reason. Elected officials like Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez must do better than brushing off their legitimate concerns off as “corporate greed” or some other misnomer.
Everyone wants to keep their employees safe and their businesses afloat in these difficult economic times. It’s essential that businesses and government work together during this crisis. The latest update to the saga came this morning, when it was announced that the government had relented, allowing Tesla to begin reopening.
Elon Wins: California Will Allow Tesla Plant To Reopen With ‘Safety Precautions’ https://t.co/WLwBSo4YMZ pic.twitter.com/1eZUj5ydj1
— Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) May 13, 2020
