Shapiro said Musk called him to talk about bringing manufacturing jobs to western Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recently revealed the details of a phone call he had with tech mogul Elon Musk, confirming that the two did not discuss politics. Shapiro shared the conversation’s focus was centered on ideas Musk had for investing in Pennsylvania, particularly in job creation and economic opportunities, with an emphasis on southwestern Pennsylvania. This conversation came after Musk, along with Hollywood producer-turned-investor Thomas Tull, reached out to Shapiro while at a Pittsburgh Steelers game over the weekend.
Shapiro, a Democratic leader and strong supporter of Vice President Kamala Harris, acknowledged the political differences between him and Musk, a known supporter of former President Donald Trump. Despite these differences, Shapiro emphasized that the discussion remained focused on economic growth and manufacturing opportunities for the state, particularly in the region surrounding Pittsburgh. He expressed enthusiasm about Musk’s interest in bringing investments to the area, stating that such endeavors are aligned with his own goals for the state.
During the conversation, Shapiro was also asked about Musk’s history of anti-union comments, which have sparked concerns among labor advocates. The governor made it clear that he is a staunch supporter of unions, stating that he believes in the importance of the “union way of life” and its role in strengthening Pennsylvania’s middle class. Shapiro reassured that his stance on supporting unions would not change despite Musk’s controversial remarks on labor issues.
Shapiro’s statement comes after a public two-hour exchange between Musk and Trump on the social media platform X, which led the United Auto Workers union to file federal labor charges. The union accused both men of making inappropriate comments about firing workers who might threaten to strike. Shapiro, however, distanced himself from any such rhetoric, maintaining his commitment to supporting the union workforce in Pennsylvania.
Despite the political divide between the two men, Shapiro’s conversation with Musk signals a pragmatic approach to fostering business growth and attracting investment to the state. It highlights Shapiro’s focus on economic development and job creation, even with individuals who may hold opposing political views. By fostering such partnerships, Shapiro hopes to create a thriving environment for both businesses and workers in Pennsylvania.
The call also raised questions about potential future collaborations between Musk’s ventures and Pennsylvania, but Shapiro did not provide specifics on any upcoming projects. The governor’s emphasis on economic opportunity reflects his broader agenda of boosting the state’s manufacturing sector, a key priority in his administration. This call with Musk adds to a series of efforts Shapiro has made to bring more investment to Pennsylvania’s industrial heartland.
As Shapiro continues to focus on creating jobs and fostering economic growth, he remains committed to supporting unions and protecting workers’ rights. His stance, however, will likely be tested in the coming months as discussions around new business partnerships and labor policies evolve in Pennsylvania.
