Trump pledges Tesla support amid rising tensions and challenges
Donald Trump, who viewed Tesla cars in front of the White House on Tuesday, announced that he intends to purchase one as a gesture of support for his advisor Elon Musk, whom he described as a "patriot." The U.S. President also spoke about attacks on Tesla sales outlets.
On Tuesday, Trump viewed five Tesla models alongside Musk and announced he would buy a red Model S. He also mentioned having already bought a Cybertruck for his granddaughter Kai last year.
Having previously criticized electric cars, Trump praised Tesla this time, emphasizing that showcasing these cars is an expression of support for his advisor amidst criticism of Musk and his company's challenges. "I think he’s been treated very unfairly by a very small group of people. And I just want people to know that he can’t be penalised for being a patriot," stated Donald Trump.
"They should be called domestic terrorists"
The U.S. President also addressed acts of vandalism and protests in Tesla showrooms, stating his intention to classify these actions as acts of domestic terrorism.
"Talk to us about some of the violence that’s been going on around the country at Tesla dealerships. Some say they should be labeled domestic terrorists. I will do that. I’ll do that. I’m going to put a stop to it. Because they’re harming a great American company," said Trump.
During the event, Elon Musk announced that thanks to Trump's actions, his company will double car production in America within the next two years. He also announced plans to start producing a fully autonomous "robo-taxi" in Texas next year, although similar promises in the past have often not been fulfilled. Trump noted that despite his affinity for Tesla, he does not intend to purchase a driverless car.
Musk confirmed he would remain the head of the corporation even while working at the White House. When asked if he would leave the White House upon completing his mission as head of the DOGE team, which aims to reduce unnecessary budget expenditures, he replied that he will remain as long as it is productive and as long as he can help the country.
On Tuesday, Tesla shares regained some of the losses from Monday when their price fell by over 15 percent. The company, facing weakening financial results, lost half its value over the last three months, losing the gains made following Donald Trump's election victory in November 2024.
This show of support for Musk also happened amidst frustration among Trump cabinet members over mass layoffs in their departments, which the billionaire led as the informal head of DOGE. Consequently, the president emphasized that it is the ministers' responsibility to decide on layoffs and encouraged making cuts "with a scalpel, rather than a hatchet."
