Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg criticized Fox News for its conservative opposition to electric vehicles while appearing on the network.
The right-wing network has a long-standing grudge against electric vehicles which grew stronger when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced new emissions standards in April 2023. The network has featured many unfavorable stories about electric vehicles while its commentators argue that electric vehicles challenge one’s masculinity.
Additionally, conservatives have consistently criticized Buttigieg for his backing of electric vehicles since he became transportation secretary, despite evidence showing that electric vehicles have been proven to decrease carbon emissions. One member of Congress even accused Buttigieg of attempting to “weaken the way we drive” by supporting eco-friendly transportation.
So it was perhaps not surprising that Fox’s John Roberts brought up electric vehicles while interviewing Buttigieg on the network. He noted that Tesla – a major producer of electric vehicles – experienced a decline in sales in the first quarter of 2024, although that decline has been attributed to growing competition from other producers.
“The administration continues to force them on consumers!” Roberts said. “Why?”
Buttigieg mentioned that sales of electric vehicles have been rising each year, despite Tesla’s troubles. He also mentioned increasing competition for Tesla.
Then he called out Fox News.
“Sometimes, when these debates happen, I feel like it’s the early 2000s, and I’m talking to some people who think that we can just have landline phones forever,” he said. “The reality is that the automotive sector is moving toward EVs, and the U.S. can either fall behind China or claim the lead.”
“President Biden wants to ensure that those EVs are produced in America, especially, again, as more Americans choose EVs every single year than the year before.”
People on X loved his response.
