Elon Musk vs Indian-origin billionaire over Trump presidency: 'Doesn't hate you'

Indian-American venture capitalist Vinod Khosla and Tesla CEO Elon Musk clashed over their differing views on Donald Trump's presidential candidacy after US President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.

Khosla, an OpenAI investor and Democratic donor, called for an "open convention" to select a more moderate candidate, suggesting Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as alternatives to Harris. He said America needed a president who does not swing to the far-right or is not too woke.

"Time to have an open convention and get a more moderate candidate who can easily beat @realDonaldTrump. @GovWhitmer and @GovernorShapiro would be a great thing for America not held hostage between MAGA extremists and DEI extremism. Unique opportunity for a better moderate path. Every socially liberal, climate and fiscal voter should want it to balance our approach," Khosla tweeted.

Musk, who recently endorsed Trump, responded by urging Khosla to support Trump and his running mate JD Vance. "Come on, Vinod. Trump/Vance LFG!!" he tweeted.

Khosla strongly rejected Musk's suggestion, citing Trump's personal values and policies as reasons for his opposition. "Hard for me to support someone with no values, lies, cheats, rapes, demeans women, hates immigrants like me,” he replied.

“He may cut my taxes or reduce some regulation but that is no reason to accept depravity in his personal values. Do you want President who will set back climate by a decade in his first year? Do you want his example for your kids as values?" Khosla said.

Musk countered by saying that Trump does not hate Khosla and that his administration would promote meritocracy and individual freedoms.