Perhaps it's worth reversing the question - what does he have to lose? Every stunt he's pulled in the past has been without serious consequence (defamation, stock manipulation, etc. etc.). Why should this be any different?

Some people, including myself, see his actions as courageous and that of a good leader. Not succumbing to political pressure and making sure his employees can still get paid. Respect.

It is worth noting he just had a baby a few days ago.

It may seem insane, but sudden parenthood can lead to weird behavior. All his recent Twitter insanity began right around the birth.

recent Twitter insanity?

I'm a huge fan of what Musk is trying to do, and I realize to accomplish the near-impossible like that takes someone a little crazy to begin with, but that doesn't give him a free pass to act like a total dick. Heck, I even support a lot of his gripes against California, but his behavior is leading me more towards a "despite my past excitement, I will never buy a Tesla" stance.

So he's just trying to get away from a newborn baby?

Or lack of sleep, parental panic, etc

No shot he's losing sleep. You're thinking of normal people who take care of their own kids, not billionaires who have in house staff

it's his 6th kid. He should know how to deal with that by now.

You think by the 6th one you'd figure out some names that don't make you look like a jackass as a parent.

Had to look up to see what you were talking about.

Just wow!!

I think he has become a victim of his own success. I just hope he is seeing a good shrink.

It's also possible he thinks the May 18th date will get pushed back.

The Health Officer of Los Angeles County just stated in an open meeting that they fully expect Shelter at Home to be extended another 3 months.

I imagine that there won't be a single date at which Bay Area counties let everyone out of sheltering at the same time. I think it will be phased based on multiple factors of essential-ness (where assembling cars may not be considered terribly "essential" by county health authorities).