Trump Purchases Tesla to Support Elon Musk Amid Boycotts and Vandalism
The president's purchase comes as Tesla faces backlash over Musk's role in the Trump administration and declining stock prices.
- President Donald Trump announced and followed through on buying a Tesla Model S sedan as a public show of support for Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
- Tesla has faced boycotts, vandalism, and a 40% year-to-date drop in stock value, partly due to backlash over Musk's role in the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
- During a White House event, Musk announced plans to double Tesla's U.S. vehicle output over the next two years, citing confidence in the administration's policies.
- Protests against Tesla dealerships and charging stations have escalated, with Trump threatening to classify violent actions against them as domestic terrorism.
- A $400 million State Department contract to purchase Tesla vehicles is currently on hold, following concerns about potential conflicts of interest related to Musk's government role.