I don’t see this as ideology (other than the “I want all the money” ideology) or some kind of principled stance.
We know who this person is, now.
Leon is trying to pivot politically to appear more appealing to the natural customer base for EVs. Hence all of the “distancing” from the executive branch while Tesla sales tank.
Thing is, he has shown that he is not a naturally strong politician, it is not really his personality to be a schmoozer like say, Lil Marco (and name any other cabinet member).
Compare Leon to the other legions of CEOs who stay under the radar and quietly schmooze the mad king the old fashioned way.