Trump Buys Tesla: A Show of Support for Musk

President Donald Trump, who had promised to get a Tesla, kept his promise yesterday, the 11th of March, when he purchased a red Tesla Model S.

This act from the president makes a bold statement of support for Elon Musk amid the company’s recent struggles.

The White House driveway was temporarily transformed into a showroom as Trump examined various Tesla models. “That’s beautiful,” Trump remarked while sitting in the driver’s seat of the Model S.

The president went on to announce that he would pay full price with a check, specifically requesting no discount for the vehicle that retails around $80,000.

Despite buying the luxury electric vehicle, Trump acknowledged he wouldn’t drive it himself as presidential security protocols prevent him from getting behind the wheel. Instead, he plans to keep it at the White House for staff use.

Trump’s purchase comes after Tesla’s stock has plummeted nearly 48% since his administration began in January.

Monday saw shares drop by more than 15%, contributing to a seven-week losing streak for the company.

The president announced his intention overnight on social media, calling Musk “a truly great American” who is being unfairly targeted.

He questioned why Musk should be “punished for putting his tremendous skills to work” for the country.

Musk expressed his gratitude for Trump’s support on his X platform. The Tesla CEO continues running his companies while simultaneously leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to reduce federal spending.

Political Backlash and Ethical Questions

Critics view Trump’s public endorsement of a private company as ethically questionable. The move further blurs the line between Musk’s government role and his private business interests, which receive billions in federal contracts.

Former federal employees dismissed by DOGE have expressed frustration, with one former environmental agency worker admitting to becoming “unaccountably angry every time a Tesla passed by.”

Tesla has become a focal point for protests against Musk’s government role. What began with bumper stickers saying “I bought this before Elon went crazy” has escalated to vandalism at dealerships and charging stations.

Sales have dropped dramatically in European markets, with German purchases down 76% year-on-year in February.

Tesla’s problems are caused by a number of things, including Musk’s contentious political actions and potential share overvaluation.

While some people blame Musk’s politics for Tesla’s decline, market analysts note that the stock may have been significantly overpriced initially.

Following Trump’s election, Tesla shares jumped 32%, adding $250 billion to its market value within two weeks.