Trump backs Musk, calls vandals 'domestic terrorists'
Donald Trump, who viewed Tesla cars in front of the White House on Tuesday, announced that he would purchase one of them. He intends to do this as a show of support for his advisor, Elon Musk, whom he called a "patriot." The President of the USA also spoke about attacks on Tesla sales outlets.
On Tuesday, Trump viewed five Tesla car models alongside Musk and then announced that he would buy a red Model S. He also mentioned that he had already bought a Cybertruck for his granddaughter Kai last year.
Trump, who previously criticised electric cars, praised Tesla on this occasion, emphasising that showcasing the cars is meant to be an expression of his support for his advisor's activities in the face of criticism directed at Musk and his company's problems. "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," Donald Trump stated.
"They should be called domestic terrorists"
The President of the USA also addressed acts of vandalism and protests in Tesla showrooms, announcing that he intends 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," Trump said.
During the ceremony, 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 the start of production of a fully autonomous "robo-taxi" in Texas next year, although similar promises from him in the past have often not materialised. Trump stated that despite his admiration for Tesla, he does not intend to buy a driverless car.
Musk confirmed that he would remain the head of the corporation despite working at the White House. When asked whether 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 losses from Monday when their price fell by over 15 per cent. The company, struggling with weakening financial results, lost half its value over the last three months, losing what it gained following Donald Trump's election victory in November 2024.
This demonstration of support for Musk occurred against the backdrop of frustration among Trump cabinet members about mass layoffs in their departments, which the billionaire orchestrated as the informal head of DOGE. Consequently, the president emphasised that it is up to the ministers to decide on layoffs and discussed the need to make cuts "with a scalpel, rather than a hatchet."
