Trump backs Elon Musk’s push to reopen California Tesla plant

President Trump on Tuesday threw his weight behind Elon Musk’s push to reopen a California Tesla plant in violation of a county order aimed at containing the spread of coronavirus. 

“California should let Tesla & @elonmusk open the plant, NOW,” the president tweeted. “It can be done Fast & Safely!” 

California should let Tesla & @elonmusk open the plant, NOW. It can be done Fast & Safely!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 12, 2020

Musk, the CEO of Tesla, announced on Monday that he would reopen the electric vehicle maker’s plant in Fremont, Calif., inviting authorities to arrest him for doing so.

The factory has been shut down since March 23, shortly after California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) issued a statewide stay-at-home order.

Last week, Newsom announced new guidance allowing some factories to reopen, but said counties could continue imposing limitations.

Alameda County chose to keep the plant shuttered, with local officials saying they were negotiating with Tesla.

On May 9, Tesla’s attorneys filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction against Alameda County’s stay-at-home order.

Musk tweeted the same day that Tesla would be moving out of California because of its handling of the coronavirus.

The Fremont plant started producing cars again over the weekend, The Verge reported.

Trump has been a vocal proponent of reopening business, despite growing cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, across the country.

Several states have begun taking steps to ramp up their economies despite not meeting the White House’s own guidelines, which stress declining cases.