White House Weighs Harsh Penalties for Tesla Vandalism Amid Death Penalty Debate

Trump administration officials and Fox News discuss potential capital punishment for vandalism, framing attacks on Tesla as domestic terrorism.

Fox News host Harris Faulkner raised the possibility of using the federal death penalty for Tesla vandals during an interview with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Leavitt emphasized the administration's commitment to pursuing the harshest penalties for acts of vandalism against Tesla, without ruling out capital punishment.
The White House has labeled the vandalism as dangerous and potentially domestic terrorism, citing arson and other attacks on Tesla vehicles and facilities.
The backlash against Tesla is tied to Elon Musk's public support for Donald Trump, which has alienated some of the company's former supporters.
President Trump reinstated the federal death penalty in January 2025, with officials suggesting it could be applied in extreme cases of politically motivated violence.