President Joe Biden criticized Elon Musk at a recent campaign event in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, accusing the Tesla and SpaceX CEO of starting his career in the U.S. as an “illegal worker.” Biden labeled Musk as a wealthy ally of former President Donald Trump and highlighted his past immigration violations.
Biden’s comments came in the context of his push for immigration reform and his criticism of Trump’s immigration policies. He pointed out that Musk, now the world’s richest man, had initially come to the U.S. on a student visa but did not attend school as required. Despite this, Musk managed to build a successful career in the country, eventually becoming a prominent figure in the tech and aerospace industries.
The president’s remarks were in response to a Washington Post report that detailed Musk’s efforts to secure a work visa after working in the U.S. without proper documentation. Musk’s early ventures, including the sale of Zip2 for $300 million in 1999, paved the way for his future success with companies like Tesla and SpaceX.
Musk, who has been a vocal supporter of Trump and his policies, recently made headlines for his pro-Trump activities in swing states like Pennsylvania. He even offered cash prizes to voters who supported Trump, further solidifying his ties to the former president.
In addition to his business ventures, Musk has also been active on social media, where he has shared controversial views on immigration and voting rights. Despite his claims about the negative impact of undocumented immigrants and voter fraud, studies have shown that such issues are rare and do not significantly impact elections.
Overall, Biden’s criticism of Musk sheds light on the complexities of immigration policy and the challenges faced by individuals seeking to build a successful career in the U.S. Musk’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing immigration issues in a fair and equitable manner to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute to society and the economy.