Indian-American businessman Vinod Khosla and Telsa CEO Elon Musk engaged in a fiery exchange on social media platform X on Sunday after US President Joe Biden announced the decision to quit the 2024 presidential election race against Republican rival Donald Trump.
As Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s nominee, venture capitalist Khosla called for an “open convention” for Democrats to select a more moderate candidate who could effectively challenge Trump. “Time to have an open convention and get a more moderate candidate who can easily beat @realDonaldTrump,” Khosla wrote on X.
I want an open process at the convention and not a coronation. The key still is who can best beat @realDonaTrump above all other priorities given how much a danger he is.— Vinod Khosla (@vkhosla) July 21, 2024
‘No values, lies, cheats, rapes, women’
The Indian-American businessman suggested that Democratic governors Gretchen Whitmer and Josh Shapiro could be strong candidates for the party. In response, Musk vouched for Trump and his running mate, JD Vance. “Come on, Vinod. Trump/Vance LFG!!” Musk responded. Khosla countered Musk’s endorsement by questioning whether Musk would want his children to emulate Trump.
He slammed the former US president, saying, “Hard for me to support someone with no values, lies, cheats, rapes, demeans women, hates immigrants like me.” Khosla argued that while Trump might offer tax cuts or deregulation, those benefits do not justify supporting someone he views as morally compromised.
He raised concerns about Trump’s impact on climate policy and questioned whether Musk would want Trump to serve as a role model for his children. Musk responded by asserting that Trump does not harbor animosity toward Khosla. “In fact, I think he likes you. Meet him and find out for yourself,” Musk replied.
He acknowledged that Trump has flaws but argued that the country needs an administration that prioritises meritocracy and individual freedoms over government control. Musk noted that the Democratic Party, which once championed these ideals, has shifted toward more extreme positions. Khosla replied, expressing concern that supporting Trump would mean abandoning critical issues such as climate change.
He said, “But abandon climate and ‘drill baby drill’? Be MAGA and abandon NATO and American leadership and moral authority?” Khosla revealed that he was once a socially liberal registered Republican but switched to independent status due to climate concerns. Musk countered that civilization still requires oil and gas for the foreseeable future and cautioned against demonising the fossil fuel industry.
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