President Donald Trump hosted a unique event on Tuesday, transforming the South Lawn of the White House into a temporary Tesla showroom. The event, featuring five Tesla vehicles, including the widely-discussed Cybertruck, was a bold demonstration of support for billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. The vehicles were delivered to the White House driveway, where Trump, alongside Musk, inspected them in front of cameras.
Earlier in the day, Trump had announced on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he planned to buy a Tesla in a show of support for Musk and his electric vehicle company, which has faced recent financial struggles. The vehicles’ public display on the White House grounds attracted significant attention, especially since it is highly unusual for a sitting president to endorse a consumer product so publicly.
“These cars are beautiful,” Trump declared, specifically praising the Cybertruck for its design. “As soon as I saw it, I said, ‘That is the coolest design.’”
Although Trump has frequently criticized electric vehicles in the past, especially during his 2024 presidential campaign, he told reporters on Tuesday that he had heard positive feedback about Tesla vehicles. Trump took a seat inside a red Model S, which is priced on Tesla’s website between $73,490 and $88,490, depending on the configuration.
He pointed to the vehicle and said, “The one I like is that one, and I want the same color,” adding that he planned to buy a Tesla himself. Despite sitting in the car, Trump did not take the vehicle for a test drive but hinted that he might consider doing so at another time.
Ethical Concerns Arise
Trump’s public endorsement of the Tesla brand, while unusual, is also ethically controversial. Senior government officials, including presidents, typically avoid promoting consumer products to prevent the appearance of conflicts of interest. In 2017, for example, Kellyanne Conway, a former White House adviser, faced a reprimand for encouraging people to buy products from Ivanka Trump’s clothing line, resulting in a formal warning from the government’s ethics office.
By showcasing the Tesla cars in front of the press, Trump guaranteed that the purchase would garner widespread media coverage. Dan Scavino, the White House deputy chief of staff, streamed the event on X, the social media platform owned by Musk.
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When asked about potential ethical implications, the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the matter.
Criticism From Lawmakers and Others
The event quickly attracted criticism, particularly from Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), who raised concerns about the public nature of the transaction. “Just because the corruption plays out in public doesn’t mean it’s not corruption,” Murphy posted on X, accompanied by a video showing Trump getting into the Tesla.
Murphy’s comments reflect growing skepticism about Trump’s relationship with Musk, a billionaire known for his prominent influence over both the tech and political landscapes. Musk has been involved in pushing several of Trump’s policies, including efforts to cut federal jobs, and has been a financial backer of Trump’s 2024 campaign, spending over $250 million to support his candidacy.
While Trump has distanced himself from some of his populist positions in recent weeks, he seems to be increasingly aligning with his billionaire backers, particularly Musk, who has been influential in pushing the agenda of reducing government involvement in various sectors.
Tesla Faces Growing Backlash
The event also comes amid continued backlash against Musk’s growing role in political discourse, particularly regarding his advocacy for reducing government employment and his controversial involvement with far-right political parties, such as Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD). These actions have sparked protests against Tesla facilities worldwide, including incidents of vandalism and fires at charging stations.
Despite these challenges, Trump expressed his support for Musk, claiming that Tesla is a “great American company” that should not be penalized for its founder’s political views. The president condemned the recent attacks against the company, adding, “He’s built this great company, and he shouldn’t be penalized because he’s a patriot.”
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Tesla’s stock has taken a hit in recent months, with shares dropping every week since Musk’s Washington visit. On the day of the event, Tesla shares fell by 15% before recovering later in the day.
Biden Administration’s Tesla Snub
Trump’s embrace of Musk stands in stark contrast to the approach of President Joe Biden, who in 2021 excluded Tesla from an electric vehicle summit, a move that Musk publicly criticized. The decision to leave Tesla out of the event was perceived by Musk as a snub, contributing to his growing disillusionment with the Democratic Party. Musk’s opposition to unionizing efforts at Tesla, coupled with his vocal criticism of the Biden administration, has put him on opposing sides of key political debates.
At Tuesday’s event, Musk told reporters that Tesla planned to double its vehicle production in the United States. This announcement further emphasized Musk’s commitment to expanding Tesla’s presence in the American market, despite ongoing challenges related to his political activities.
Musk’s Role in Trump’s Administration
Musk’s close relationship with Trump has sparked ongoing concerns regarding his role within the administration. Musk has been an adviser to the president, heading the Department of Government Efficiency, a position that has drawn scrutiny for its potential conflicts of interest. Musk has faced legal challenges over allegations that he has exceeded his authority in government roles, with some of Trump’s Cabinet members privately expressing frustration over Musk’s influence within the administration.
Trump’s Personal Tesla Purchase
In a post on Truth Social shortly before the event, Trump explicitly explained his motivation for buying a Tesla. “I’m going to buy a brand new Tesla tomorrow morning as a show of confidence and support for Elon Musk, a truly great American,” he wrote. Trump also noted that he hadn’t bought a new car in a long time, though it remains unclear when or how he might drive a car outside the secure confines of the White House complex.
Despite his admiration for the vehicles, Trump’s remarks raised further questions about the potential for conflicts of interest, especially as he has long been critical of electric vehicles and their environmental impact.
Tuesday’s White House event, which showcased Tesla’s electric vehicles and brought together Trump and Musk for a public display of support, marks a significant moment in the ongoing relationship between the two influential figures. However, it also raises ethical concerns, drawing criticism from lawmakers and the public alike. As Trump continues to align himself with his billionaire supporters, particularly Musk, the future of Tesla—and its influence on U.S. politics—remains a point of contention.x
