Elon Musk has earned more than $ 44 billion in net worth during the pandemic. Saul Martinez / Getty Images
If you remember what Elon Musk said about the coronavirus in the early days of the pandemic (including his mistaken prediction that the US would be free of COVID-19 cases by the end of April), you should probably think twice about taking it. seriously on other pandemic related issues. But when the Tesla CEO speaks, the Internet listens.
In a spontaneous tweet storm seen by his 37 million followers on Friday morning, Musk voiced his opinion on the heated debate in Washington over a second coronavirus relief bill. “Another government stimulus package is not in the best interest of the people, [in my opinion]”The billionaire said bluntly.
Another government stimulus package is not in the best interest of the IMO people
– Elon Musk 🌹 (@elonmusk) July 24, 2020
As expected, the comments sparked instant controversy on Twitter. While some applauded their anti-establishment sentiment (“Exactly! No more sponsoring the government. More money printing will lead to hyperinflation soon,” one Twitter user replied), others quickly realized the irony of their own. Musk’s business empire. taken billions of dollars in government subsidies. This month alone, Tesla reached a $ 64 million tax exemption agreement in Texas to build a new factory in Austin. The billionaire has also made a fortune during the pandemic, thanks to Tesla’s growing shares and his capital bonus payments.
The government’s goal should be to maximize people’s happiness. Giving money to each person enables them to decide what meets their needs, rather than the blunt tool of legislation, which creates selfish special interests.
– Elon Musk 🌹 (@elonmusk) July 24, 2020
To be clear, Musk is not entirely opposed to the idea of giving people free money in times of crisis. “As a reminder, I am in favor of universal basic income,” he explained in a separate tweet. “[The] The government’s objective should be to maximize the happiness of the people. Giving money to each person allows them to decide what meets their needs, rather than the blunt tool of the legislation, which creates selfish special interests. ”
The second federal coronavirus relief package under discussion right now includes direct payment to most Americans, such as the CARES Act passed in March. But most of the bailout funds will go to small businesses, local governments, and higher unemployment benefits. Democrats in the House of Representatives passed a stimulus bill in May called the HEROES Act, which would continue to give unemployed workers an additional $ 600 a week. Republicans have discussed a much less generous package, at about $ 100 a week.
“[Stimulus packages] they’re full of guts with special interests, “Musk said in a tweet on Friday.” If we make a stimulus, it should be just direct payments to consumers. “
