Backlash Ensues As DOJ Set Sights On Controversial Target
On Tuesday, a new report revealed that the Department of Justice, led by President Joe Biden, has launched a criminal investigation into Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The investigation centers around whether Musk may have received personal benefits from the company that were not properly disclosed.
The report, published by The Wall Street Journal, stated that the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York has convened a federal grand jury to investigate alleged personal benefits dating back to 2017. Prosecutors are specifically looking into a secret project within Tesla called "Project 42," which allegedly involved building a home for Musk made out of large-format glass panels.
Musk, who is a vocal opponent of the Biden administration, took to social media to address the allegations, claiming that the project never actually existed. "Just want to reiterate that there is no glass house... built, under construction or planned! I'm not building any house of any kind anywhere. Period," Musk wrote on X, the social media platform he purchased in October last year.
Tesla has abandoned plans to build a glass house for Musk after the CEO was informed that he would not be able to throw stones if he lived there
— Whole Mars Catalog (@WholeMarsBlog) September 1, 2023
This isn't the first time that Musk has come under scrutiny from the government. He previously faced criticism from Biden for not being included in White House initiatives for electric vehicles, despite Tesla producing more electric cars than GM. Musk has also been vocal in his support for former President Donald Trump amid his legal troubles.
The reported investigation into Tesla and Musk has sparked backlash online, with many suggesting that it is politically motivated. Journalist Ian Miles Cheong tweeted, "The DOJ is broadening the scope of its criminal investigation into Elon Musk. Tell me how this isn't a politically-driven effort." Others, including John R. Lott Jr. and Stephen Miller, have also expressed their concerns about the potential targeting of Musk by the Biden administration.
At the heart of the DOJ's investigation are allegations that Tesla failed to disclose benefits given to Musk and misrepresented the performance of the company's advanced driver-assistance system known as Autopilot. The grand jury is also requesting information about the driving range of Tesla's electric vehicles.
Musk has previously sold all seven of his homes in California for approximately $127.9 million and has stated that he plans to "own no house." Despite being the world's richest man, he does not own many material possessions.
The news of the investigation has raised questions about the motivations behind the Biden administration's actions and concerns about potential overreach and political targeting. Only time will tell how this investigation will play out and what consequences it may have for Tesla and Elon Musk.
The DOJ is broadening the scope of its criminal investigation into Elon Musk. Tell me how this isn't a politically-driven effort by the Biden administration to go after Musk, who is one of the administration's loudest and most influential critics. pic.twitter.com/aDme1akX9P
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) September 19, 2023