On March 25, 2026, California Governor Newsom launched a scathing critique of Tesla CEO Elon Musk during a television program, branding him as one of the most disappointing figures of our time and expressing profound dismay. Governor Newsom contended that Musk, as a trailblazer in the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) sector, squandered the nation's local competitive edge, thereby enabling China to dominate the global EV market, which now commands a staggering 70% share. He further argued that Musk's recent pivot towards robotics has only served to expedite China's ascendancy in the EV arena. Governor Newsom characterized this strategic shift as a catastrophic 'own goal' for the United States in the upcoming decade, emphasizing that it not only erodes market share but also poses a grave threat to supply chain stability, national interests, and the long-term viability of the U.S. automotive manufacturing industry.