
On Monday, Telsa CEO Elon Musk continued to defy California state and local laws by restarting production at the company’s Fremont assembly plant, saying he was prepared to be arrested if necessary.
The announcement came in the wake of Musk filing a lawsuit against the county to reopen his business.
Musk’s California operation is the only Tesla vehicle assembly plant in the U.S.
RELATED: California County Defies Dem Gov. Newsom To Reopen Schools, Salons, And Churches
Musk: ‘If anyone is arrested, I ask that it only be me’
“Tesla is restarting production today against Alameda County rules,” he tweeted. “I will be on the line with everyone else. If anyone is arrested, I ask that it only be me.”
Tesla is restarting production today against Alameda County rules. I will be on the line with everyone else. If anyone is arrested, I ask that it only be me.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 11, 2020
“Yes, California approved, but an unelected county official illegally overrode,” he added. “Also, all other auto companies in US are approved to resume. Only Tesla has been singled out. This is super messed up!”
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
While California Governor Gavin Newsom said earlier on Monday that he was unaware that the Telsa plant had restarted operations, Musk did get some support from President Donald Trump.
Trump Supports Musk’s Decision
“California should let Tesla & @elonmusk open the plant, NOW,” Trump tweeted. “It can be done Fast & Safely!”
California should let Tesla & @elonmusk open the plant, NOW. It can be done Fast & Safely!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 12, 2020
Musk thanked the President for his show of support.
Thank you!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 12, 2020
In fact, Musk received support on social media from many.
https://twitter.com/TheRightMelissa/status/1260217249857765378
https://twitter.com/JokeRiddle/status/1259180170201534465
We knew California would be the epicenter of tyranny! Good for you @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/OOfrgVPSMe
— Tomi Lahren (@TomiLahren) May 12, 2020
I don’t think you realize that other manufacturers in California have been allowed to work. But Tesla has been left out. Elon has a right to be pissed
— Toby Li (@tobyliiiiiiiiii) May 11, 2020
https://twitter.com/flcnhvy/status/1259948280273829892
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Musk sent out an email to employees last Thursday calling for 30 percent of the factory’s workers back to the plant, arguing that it was permitted under Governor Gavin Newsom’s order. Musk on Saturday filed a lawsuit against Alameda County to reopen, and threatened to move his facility to another state “immediately” if anyone tried to stop him.
“If we even retain Fremont manufacturing activity at all, it will be dependen [sic] on how Tesla is treated in the future,” he tweeted.
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
Alameda County responded to Musk’s decision, writing, “Today, May 11, we learned that the Tesla factory in Fremont had opened beyond Minimum Basic Operations. We have notified Tesla that they can only maintain Minimum Basic Operations until we have an approved plan that can be implemented in accordance with the local public health Order.”
“We are addressing this matter using the same phased approach we use for other businesses which have violated the Order in the past, and we hope that Tesla will likewise comply without further enforcement measures,” the county added.
RELATED: Elon Musk Calls Out Nanny State Government
I don’t know @ElonMusk, but I like that he’s standing up for his rights, which are your rights too. He’s been trying to get his CA @Tesla manufacturing plant opened back up & his employees back to work, but bureaucrats want to keep him shut down. https://t.co/Nn2dpIPnx8
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) May 12, 2020
Governor Newsom Gives His General Support
Governor Newsom said his “understanding is they have had some very constructive conversations with the folks at that facility. The county health director and they are working to focus on the health and safety of the employees at that facility and my belief and hope and expectation is as early as next week, they will be able to resume.”
Newsom did express his general support for Tesla and Musk.
Governor @GavinNewsom supports Tesla!
Thank you governor! @elonmusk https://t.co/MJMM0F3G10
— Third Row Tesla Podcast (@thirdrowtesla) May 11, 2020
When asked about Musk’s plant reopening, Newsom said, “My understanding when I walked up to the podium today, that was not the case. I’m trying to monitor hundreds of thousands of businesses all throughout the state. I’m trying to work with business large and small.”