SAN FRANCISCO, CA (TIP) : In a heated exchange on social media platform X, Indian American tech billionaire Vinod Khosla clashed with Tesla CEO Elon Musk over former President Donald Trump, mere minutes after President Joe Biden announced he was “standing down” from the presidential race.

Vinod Khosla, a Bay-area billionaire venture capitalist and co-founder of Sun Microsystems, ignited the conversation by calling for an open Democratic convention following Biden’s announcement. He expressed his desire for a “more moderate candidate who can easily beat” Trump, reflecting his concerns over the former president’s values and policies.

Responding to Khosla, Musk urged him to support Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, with an enthusiastic post: “Come on, Vinod. Trump/Vance LFG!!”

Khosla did not hold back, replying, “Hard for me to support someone with no values, lies, cheats, rapes, demeans women, hates immigrants like me. He may cut my taxes or reduce some regulation but that is no reason to accept depravity in his personal values. Do you want President who will set back climate by a decade in his first year? Do you want his example for your kids as values?”

Musk countered by suggesting that Khosla meet Trump to form his own opinion. “He doesn’t hate you. In fact, I think he likes you. Meet him and find out for yourself. How many times have you read something in the media where you know the real story, but what they printed was diabolically false? Well, it’s way worse in politics, which is a blood sport.”

Khosla, acknowledging Musk’s point on media mistrust and meritocracy, raised concerns about Trump’s stance on climate change and international relations. He replied, “Agree on not trusting media. Agree on meritocratic and promote individual freedoms. But abandon climate and ‘drill baby drill’? Be MAGA and abandon NATO and American leadership and moral authority? I was a socially liberal registered fiscal Republican till climate made me switch to Independent. First used ‘techno optimist’ to describe myself on Twitter but have to add now ‘with care and caring’ to bring along people left behind by the tech-driven acceleration and growth we love. Define my optimism & caution in 2016: Link

In response, Musk said, “Civilization has needed oil & gas for quite some time. I don’t think we should demonize an industry that is essential for humanity to function. However, as you know, sustainable energy production and consumption is growing very rapidly and is tracking to exceed use of hydrocarbon fuels. That will happen no matter what Trump does. As for NATO, the amount contributed by the United States is absurdly higher than other allies. Why are American taxpayers paying for the defense of Europe when Europe is fully capable of doing so itself?”

Khosla concluded by highlighting the balance needed between energy consumption and climate change awareness. “GDP depends on energy consumption but that doesn’t support climate change denialism. The fossil industry must acknowledge that. In fact, I was against the recent order to shut down coal plants by 2032 because there are better policies. Let’s discuss live on X.”

The exchange between Khosla and Musk not only highlighted their differing political views but also shed light on broader issues such as climate change, media trust, and international relations, sparking a conversation among their followers, besides getting worldwide media attention.