Part 4/8:

The animosity is not a new phenomenon; Elon Musk has been a controversial figure in California politics over several years. Observers note that Newsom's apparent stance against Musk may be part of a larger strategy to differentiate himself from Musk, who has come to represent many of the state’s economic and social frustrations. As Musk becomes increasingly viewed as a scapegoat, Newsom's proposal serves to rally certain political factions around a common adversary.

Furthermore, there is concern about the broader implications of the governor's actions if they serve to alienate businesses from California. Industry observers have pointed out that preventing Tesla from qualifying for rebates may signal to other businesses that California is no longer a friend to innovation and manufacturing.