The United Auto Workers (UAW) couldn’t help but file federal labor charges against Elon Musk and Donald Trump, claiming they illegally bullied workers just for standing up for themselves. The UAW got upset because of a chat on X Spaces, where Trump claimed Musk was “the greatest cutter.” Trump was referring to the fact that Musk had no problems firing anyone who went on strike. Of course, Musk couldn’t resist laughing and agreeing like it was all one big joke.
Trump didn’t name any specific company, but CNBC reported that he was alluding to the massive layoffs at Twitter (now known as X), which Musk took over in 2022.
The conversation about terminating employees came up after Trump suggested that Musk should spearhead a Government Efficiency Commission. Imagine a task force dedicated to cutting wasteful spending with Musk’s ruthless efficiency. Trump may be onto something.
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) didn’t waste any time confirming it would investigate these charges. If the claims are substantiated, the NLRB could pursue legal action. The NLRB reaffirmed its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring that no employer can intimidate or threaten employees participating in legally protected activities.
Responding to a post on X about the labor charges, Musk suggested that UAW President Shawn Fain might end up in prison, tweeting, “The last two UAW presidents went to prison for bribery & corruption, and based on recent news, it looks like this guy will join them!”
Musk was referring to Gary Jones and Dennis Williams, two former UAW presidents imprisoned for corruption, though neither was Fain’s direct predecessor.
Musk, who has frequently clashed with the NLRB and Big Labor through his companies Tesla and SpaceX, endorsed Trump last month—just weeks after the former president narrowly survived an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania campaign rally.
Recently, the UAW endorsed Trump’s 2024 rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, signaling a clear break from Trump. Earlier this year, Trump openly called for Fain’s removal, stating that “every single” auto worker should vote for him instead.
