California Gov. Gavin Newsom took a shot at Tesla following Elon Musk's announcement that the company would be moving its headquarters from Palo Alto, California, to Austin, Texas, following through on a promise he first made over a year ago in response to the Golden State's strict COVID guidelines.
A spokeswoman for Newsom said in a statement that California would 'stand up for workers, public health and a woman's right to choose,' referencing Texas's ban on abortion after the first six weeks, adding that the the Golden State was still 'home to the biggest ideas and companies on the planet.'
Meanwhile, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott welcomed Tesla, tweeting, 'The Lone Star State is the land of opportunity and innovation. Welcome.'
Musk said that Tesla, which has been in Silicon Valley since 2003, has outgrown its Fremont factory after more than a year of infighting with local and state officials over COVID mandates and high taxes.
'It's like we're spam in a can here,' he said, adding that there's sparse affordable housing and a lot of workers have a long commute.
Elon Musk, right, confirmed Thursday that Tesla will be moving its headquarters from Palo Alto, California, to Austin, Texas. Newsom criticized the move amid controversy over the Lone Star State's law banning abortions after six weeks
The company's vehicle assembly plant in Austin (pictured above) is under construction and borders the Colorado River
Many also took to Twitter to criticize Tesla's move amid the Texas abortion law.
The Texas law leaves enforcement solely up to private citizens, who are entitled to collect $10,000 in damages if they bring successful lawsuits against not just abortion providers who violate the restrictions, but anyone who helps a woman obtain an abortion.
Hundreds of marches took place last week in opposition to the law, which was recently blocked by a federal judge.
Twitter user Jo Ann Aaronson wrote, 'Moving right into a state that is trying to ban abortions. Just lost all respect for Tesla and Elon Musk.'
Another Twitter user with the handle lupin wrote, 'If anything would make me move out of Texas, it’s news that Musk is setting up shop there.
'Texas does not need one more person with “I’m the center of the universe” syndrome.'
Twitter user RWS added, 'Billionaire Moves headquarters to Avoid Taxes!! is a little more accurate.'
People took to Twitter to criticize Tesla's move to Texas
Hundreds of marches took place last week across the country opposing the Texan abortion law
Others also came out to defend Musk, criticizing California's strict COVID mandates and high taxes for sending Tesla away.
'Until we change the policies that are driving companies away we’re going to continue to lose jobs and disrupt California families. We’ve got to do better,' wrote former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer.
Another Twitter user with the handle mkypwr23 wrote, 'Musk ain't no fool he knows he can't trust the state of California anymore.'
Twitter user Imyerdada simply wrote, 'California has gone downhill.'
Others defended the move and claimed California's policies were at fault for the move
Musk noted that while headquarters were moving to Texas, Telsa's manufacturing plants would stay and grow in California.
'Just to be clear though, we will be continuing to expand our
