Elon Musk says ‘China rocks’ while the U.S. is full of ‘complacency and entitlement’

PUBLISHED FRI, JUL 31 20205:31 PM EDTUPDATED FRI, JUL 31 20207:50 PM EDT

Lora Kolodny

@LORAKOLODNY

KEY POINTS

Elon Musk lamented the “entitled” and “complacent” character of people in the United States, and lauded the “smart” and “hard working people” of China, in an Automotive News podcast out Friday.

He also said that Tesla had received the least government assistance of any U.S. carmaker. 

Tesla Inc CEO Elon Musk speaks at an opening ceremony for Tesla China-made Model Y program in Shanghai, China January 7, 2020.

Tesla Inc CEO Elon Musk speaks at an opening ceremony for Tesla China-made Model Y program in Shanghai, China January 7, 2020.

Aly Song | Reuters

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk lamented the “entitled” and “complacent” character of people in the United States, and lauded the “smart” and “hard working people” of China, in the first installment of a three-part interview with Automotive News’ “Daily Drive” podcast published Friday. 

Specifically, Musk criticized New York and California -- states that have supported his businesses, especially Tesla, with considerable tax breaks, regulatory credits and other government help.