Biden Calls Elon Musk an ‘Illegal Worker,’ Accuses Tesla CEO of Hypocrisy on Immigration

New York — President Joe Biden criticised Tesla CEO Elon Musk on immigration issues following reports that the billionaire might have once worked illegally in the United States. Musk, born in South Africa, has denied these allegations.

During a campaign stop in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Biden addressed union members, saying, “That wealthiest man in the world turned out to be an illegal worker here. No, I’m serious.

He was supposed to be in school when he came on a student visa. He wasn’t in school. He was violating the law. And he’s talking about all these illegals coming our way?” Biden’s comments reflect recent tensions over immigration policy and the contrasting stances between Biden’s administration and some Republican supporters, including Musk.

The Washington Post reported that Musk worked in the U.S. without proper authorization during his early years.

According to the article, Musk arrived in Palo Alto, California, in 1995 under a student visa for a graduate program at Stanford University.

However, the report alleges he never enrolled and instead focused on establishing his first startup, Zip2.

In response to Biden’s comments, Musk took to X (formerly known as Twitter), writing, “I was in fact allowed to work in the US,” adding, “The Biden puppet is lying.”

Documents referenced by The Washington Post indicate that Zip2 investors were reportedly worried about Musk’s potential deportation and urged him to obtain a valid work visa to continue in his role.

In one 2005 email, submitted as evidence in a past California defamation lawsuit, Musk reportedly acknowledged not having authorisation to remain in the U.S. when he started Zip2.

According to sources cited by the Post, Musk initially applied to Stanford University as a legal strategy to stay in the country.

Today, Musk stands as the world’s wealthiest individual and has contributed over $70 million to Republican campaigns, including GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, making him one of the largest donors in the current election cycle.

Musk has actively participated in campaign events, often echoing the GOP’s hardline views on immigration.

As the 2024 election approaches, the incident underscores intensifying debates on immigration policy, with Musk’s high-profile support for Republican candidates adding a new dimension to the conversation.

The controversy surrounding Musk’s immigration history adds fuel to an already polarised political climate.