Tesla CEO sparks debate with controversial rehiring and USAID criticism
Elon Musk, after being appointed by US President Donald Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has found himself at the center of multiple controversies, including allegations of racism, his stance on USAID, and US Treasury payments data, reported gujaratsamachar.com.
DOGE Rehiring Sparks Backlash
Recently, Musk rehired Marko Elez, a former DOGE employee who resigned after his racist social media posts resurfaced. Following an X poll where 78% supported Elez’s return, Musk reinstated him, stating, “To err is human.” Elez had previously posted remarks such as “Normalise Indian hate” and “You could not pay me to marry outside of my ethnicity.”
Trump Administration Accused of Supporting Racism
Musk’s decision triggered a debate, with US Vice President J.D. Vance defending Elez, saying, “Stupid social media activity shouldn’t ruin a kid’s life.”
Indian-origin Congressman Ro Khanna, however, demanded an apology before rehiring. The exchange escalated into a war of words between Vance and Khanna, with heated arguments over accountability and forgiveness.
Musk vs USAID: The Funding Controversy
In another dispute, Indian-origin CEO Aravind Srinivas mocked Musk on X, writing, “Considering raising $500B from USAID. Funding secured. Stop me if you can @elonmusk.” His remark came after the Trump administration’s decision to dismantle USAID, calling it corrupt. Musk had previously labeled USAID a “criminal organization” and supported its shutdown. However, a federal judge temporarily blocked the move, halting the firing of 2,200 employees.
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