The Biden administration’s announcement of a $6 billion loan to electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian has sparked an uproar among MAGA supporters, who are convinced the move is a direct shot at Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
As noted by The New York Times, the loan, part of a broader effort to promote clean energy and secure Democratic climate policies ahead of a potential return of President Trump, is meant to help Rivian build a new factory in Georgia. But for many conservatives, it’s not just about electric cars—it’s about politics, with some alleging that the funding is an attempt to undermine Musk, a vocal supporter of Trump.
“Biden is forking over $6.6B to EV-maker Rivian to build a Georgia plant they’ve already halted,” wrote Vivek Ramaswamy on X (formerly Twitter). “One ‘justification’ is the 7,500 jobs it creates, but that implies a cost of $880k/job, which is insane. This smells more like a political shot across the bow at @elonmusk & @Tesla.”
The response was immediate, with MAGA-aligned voices across social media accusing the Biden administration of using taxpayer money to target Musk. Musk’s outspoken support for Trump, particularly his political endorsements, has made him a target of left-wing critics, and many on the right believe this loan to Rivian is part of an effort to chip away at Musk’s influence.
“It’s clearly an attack on Musk for his endorsement of Trump,” X user Paul A. Szypula replied to Ramaswamy’s post. Both Ramaswamy and Musk were appointed by Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new initiative aimed at trimming government waste. Given that, many believe the loan is a calculated move to weaken one of Trump’s biggest business allies.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) was quick to weigh in on the controversy, slamming the Rivian loan as an outrageous waste of taxpayer dollars. “Why not just cut each person a $880,000 check?!” Greene posted on social media. “The absurdity of this is the exact type of insanity that we have to stop. I can tell you right now Georgians do not support Rivian and are sick and tired of seeing tax dollars handed over to this FAILING company, federal & state!”
Greene, who has been a fierce critic of Biden’s policies, was recently named chair of the new subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency, a position that will give her a platform to challenge the administration’s spending decisions. She is expected to work closely with Musk’s DOGE initiative, which seeks to eliminate government waste and promote fiscal responsibility.
The controversy over the Rivian loan highlights the deepening divide between the Biden administration and conservative critics, who see his every move as politically motivated. While the Biden administration defends the loan as an important investment in the future of American manufacturing and green energy, the backlash from MAGA supporters shows just how high the stakes have become in the battle over clean energy, climate change policy, and the future of U.S. industry.
As the political and media firestorm continues, one thing is clear: the battle over EV policy is as much about politics as it is about the environment—and for many on the right, it’s all about taking shots at Musk.
