Trump Buys Tesla Model S at White House, Signals Support for Musk
US President Donald Trump fulfilled his promise by purchasing a red Tesla Model S during a press conference on the White House South Lawn, joined by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The event, featuring five Tesla vehicles, aimed to boost Musk’s electric vehicle company amid a stock decline and protests. Trump’s gesture came hours after he announced his intent on Truth Social to support the tech billionaire.
Tesla delivered five vehicles to the White House driveway on Tuesday for Trump’s inspection. The President chose a Model S, priced at around $80,000, and praised its design. “Wow, that’s beautiful. Everything’s computer,” Trump said as he sat in the driver’s seat.
Addressing reporters, Trump said, “It is a great product… Elon has devoted his energy and his life to doing this.” He added, “I think he has been treated very unfairly. We have to celebrate him.” The President plans to pay by cheque and leave the car for staff use.
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Musk, standing beside Trump, declared Tesla would double its US vehicle output. “This is an act of faith in America,” he said during the press conference. The move follows a challenging period for Tesla, with its stock dropping 45% since December.
Tesla’s stock rose nearly 4% on Tuesday, closing at $696 billion in market cap. This came after a 15% plunge the previous day, its worst in years. Falling sales and Musk’s role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have been linked to the decline.
Trump’s support follows a reported cyberattack on X and the burning of four Tesla Cybertrucks in Seattle. On Truth Social, he wrote, “The Radical Left Lunatics are trying to illegally boycott Tesla.” The incidents highlight growing backlash against Musk’s government role.
The White House event underscores Trump’s alliance with Musk as Tesla faces sales and public relations challenges. Analysts will watch if this boosts Tesla’s fortunes or escalates tensions. Further updates on Tesla’s production plans and stock performance are anticipated.
