Tesla CEO Elon Musk has called on the United States to increase its oil and gas output in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
On Friday, Musk tweeted “Hate to say it, but we need to increase oil & gas output immediately”. “Extraordinary times demand extraordinary measures”.
“Obviously, this would negatively affect Tesla, but sustainable energy solutions simply cannot react instantaneously to make up for Russian oil & gas exports,” he added.
The Biden Administration has faced criticism for not focusing more on American energy production as gas prices rise.
Fox Business reported that prices “have climbed 23 cents nationwide over the course of the week”. The outlet also noted that “the U.S. is buying 650,000 barrels a day from Russia,” which many argue is financing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “war machine”.
Musk’s Twitter post received almost 20,000 retweets within 30 minutes of being posted. It has also dawn attention and support from many.
Fox News Senior Political Analyst Brit Hume tweeted “Wisdom from man whose company would not be helped by what he is recommending”.
Congresswoman Lauren Boebert responded “America is funding Russia’s war by buying Russian oil and gas rather than producing our own”.
Musk also tweeted “Hold strong Ukraine”. “And also my sympathies to the great people of Russia, who do not want this”.