The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has lodged federal labor charges against former President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk for allegedly threatening to intimidate workers who participate in strikes.
This action follows a recent interview between Trump and Musk on X, where they discussed Musk potentially taking on a role in Trump’s administration if he is reelected. Trump referred to Musk as “the cutter” and commended him for his strong anti-union views. Trump stated, “If they go on strike, you say, ‘That’s okay, you’re all gone. You’re all gone. Every one of you is gone,” to which Musk responded with laughter.
The UAW, which recently endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency, filed separate charges against Trump and Musk with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The union claims that both men have “interfered with, restrained or coerced employees” who are exercising their rights to organize, specifically indicating they would fire employees engaged in protected activities, including striking.
UAW President Shawn Fain has been a vocal critic of Trump, previously labeling him a “scab.” He praised President Biden for joining striking workers last year during a major strike involving General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis and has specifically targeted Tesla as a focus for the union’s organizing efforts.
Fain expressed his outrage in a statement, saying, “Both Trump and Musk want working class people to sit down and shut up, and they laugh about it openly. It’s disgusting, illegal, and totally predictable from these two clowns.” He reiterated his concerns during a CNN interview, emphasizing the need for accountability for billionaires and corporations that violate labor laws.
In response, the Trump campaign described the charges as a politically motivated orchestration by “Democrat special interest bosses,” labeling the lawsuit as a political stunt to undermine Trump’s support among workers.
The NLRB has acknowledged receipt of the charges but has not commented further. It is uncertain whether Musk or Trump would face significant penalties if found in violation of labor laws, as any proceedings could take considerable time. Should the NLRB find merit in the UAW’s claims, they may pursue legal action against Trump and Musk or attempt to reach a settlement. If a court finds them at fault, they would typically be ordered to cease the unlawful behavior and restore any wrongfully terminated employees.
Although workers have attempted to unionize at Tesla, Musk’s strong stance against unionization and the company’s tactics have largely thwarted these efforts. Earlier this year, the NLRB accused Tesla of illegally restricting workplace technology to deter workers from organizing in a Buffalo, New York facility.
Harris’ campaign has circulated the interview clip, criticizing Trump for praising Musk for firing workers protesting for improved pay and working conditions.