US President Donald Trump has made a bold statement of support for Elon Musk, buying a red Tesla while calling the billionaire a ‘great patriot’ unfairly targeted by critics.
A Presidential Endorsement on Four Wheels
In an unusual show of solidarity, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he’s buying a Tesla — not for his personal joyrides, but for the White House staff. Shortly after, five shiny new Teslas were parked on the White House lawn, turning it into what looked like a temporary dealership.
Trump even climbed into a red Model S, visibly impressed. “That’s beautiful. Wow,” he remarked, marveling at the futuristic dashboard. Musk joined him, explaining the car’s high-tech features. “Everything is computer,” Trump observed, clearly taken by the setup.
It wasn’t just about the car, though. Trump’s message was clear: Musk, who’s been facing heavy protests and criticism, deserves support. “I’m gonna buy [Tesla] because it’s a great product as good as it gets,” Trump told reporters. “And this man [Musk] has devoted his energy and his life to doing this, and I think he has been treated unfairly by a very small group of people.”
Musk’s Reputation Under Fire
Elon Musk isn’t just running Tesla these days — he’s also a White House adviser and head of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). That’s made him a lightning rod for controversy, especially after his push for drastic government job cuts and contract cancellations.
Protests have erupted, with some targeting Tesla itself. South Korean automaker Kia joined the backlash, posting an image of its EV3 SUV sporting a sticker that read, “I bought this after Elon went crazy.”
Anti-Musk sentiment is gaining traction online too:
- “I bought this before we knew Elon was crazy.”
- “Anti-Elon Tesla Club.”
- “Elon killed my resale value.”
- “Shut up, Elon.”
Despite the noise, Trump doubled down. “He’s a great patriot,” the president said. “He has also done an incredible job with Tesla. I mean, nobody else has a car company started up in the last 30 years that’s been successful, I don’t think so.”
Tesla’s Big Promise: Double Production
Musk, never one to miss a moment, used the spotlight to make a major announcement. “As a function of the great policies of President Trump and his administration, and as an act of faith in America, Tesla is going to double vehicle output in the United States within the next two years.”
Trump, nodding along, added his own commentary. “By the way, he makes one car, this one I don’t understand and this one I don’t want but that’s okay… It comes without a steering wheel.”
Musk laughed, explaining the Cybertruck — which starts production in Texas next year — is designed to be fully self-driving. “No steering wheel, no pedals,” he said.
The pair then inspected a Cybertruck parked nearby. Musk gave it a proud knock. “This car is bulletproof,” he said with a grin.
Political Fuel for an Electric Future
Trump’s public embrace of Musk couldn’t have come at a more critical time for the Tesla CEO. The company’s stock has taken hits, and Musk’s controversial government role has alienated parts of his once-loyal fanbase.
Still, the billionaire seems unfazed. His partnership with Trump — even amid the protests — signals he’s betting on the long game: keeping Tesla at the forefront of American innovation while cementing his place as one of the country’s most polarizing, yet influential, figures.
As for Trump, he’s made his stance clear: “I just want people to know that you can’t be penalized for being a patriot.”
