Trump pledges to buy a new Tesla in support of Elon Musk
President Trump has announced plans to buy a Tesla in a strong show of support for Elon Musk.
According to the New York Post, former President Donald Trump announced plans to purchase a Tesla vehicle in support of Elon Musk, whose company faces boycotts and plummeting stock prices due to the CEO's role in the White House administration.
The announcement came shortly after midnight Tuesday through Trump's Truth Social platform, where he defended Musk against what he termed "Radical Left Lunatics" orchestrating protests against Tesla.
The electric vehicle manufacturer has experienced significant market turbulence, with its stock value declining by nearly one-third since Trump's presidency began.
Tesla Stock Plunge and Public Backlash
Tesla's financial performance has taken a substantial hit in recent months, with share prices dropping more than 28% in the past month alone. The company's market value has decreased by approximately 32% since the beginning of 2025.
This decline coincides with growing public opposition to Musk's appointment as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, where his cost-cutting measures have sparked nationwide controversy.
Protests have emerged at Tesla dealerships across the United States, highlighting the mounting tension between Musk's corporate leadership and his government role.
A recent demonstration at a Manhattan showroom resulted in six arrests, underscoring the escalating nature of these protests. The situation has become increasingly volatile, with some Tesla owners taking unprecedented steps to distance themselves from the brand.
Vehicle owners have reported instances of vandalism targeting their Tesla cars, prompting some to replace Tesla logos with badges from other manufacturers. This defensive measure reflects growing concerns about being associated with Musk's political stance and his controversial government position.
Trump's Defense of Musk's Government Role
Trump took to Truth Social to express his support for Musk, emphasizing the CEO's contributions to the nation. The former president stated:
To Republicans, Conservatives, and all great Americans, Elon Musk is 'putting it on the line' in order to help our Nation, and he is doing a FANTASTIC JOB!
The president's announcement of his intended Tesla purchase represents a direct response to the boycott movement. Trump further defended Musk by stating:
Why should he be punished for putting his tremendous skills to work in order to help MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN???
Escalating Protests and Property Damage
The intensity of anti-Musk sentiment has manifested in concerning ways beyond peaceful protests. A notable incident occurred at a Colorado Tesla dealership, where a 40-year-old woman allegedly vandalized the property with spray paint and Molotov cocktails. The incident represents a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict between Musk's supporters and opponents.
Similar acts of vandalism have been reported at other locations, creating a climate of uncertainty for Tesla dealerships and owners alike. The pattern of targeted attacks has forced many Tesla owners to reconsider their association with the brand, leading to innovative but concerning methods of self-protection.
These developments have created a complex situation for Tesla's business operations, with the company facing challenges from both market pressures and public opposition. The intersection of Musk's corporate leadership and government role continues to generate controversy and impact Tesla's market position.
Impact on Tesla Owners and Brand Identity
The ongoing controversy has created unique challenges for existing Tesla owners, who find themselves caught between their vehicle choice and the political implications of Musk's government role. Many have resorted to creative solutions to avoid potential targeting, including the modification of their vehicles' branding elements.
The situation highlights the broader impact of political associations on consumer brands, particularly in cases where corporate leadership takes on significant government positions. Tesla's experience demonstrates how executive decisions and political involvement can have far-reaching consequences for product perception and customer experience.
Moving Forward Amid Controversy
The Tesla controversy encompasses multiple dimensions of corporate leadership, government efficiency, and public response. Trump's planned purchase of a Tesla vehicle represents a high-profile show of support for Musk during a period of significant challenge for the electric vehicle manufacturer.
As protests continue and Tesla's stock price remains volatile, the company faces the complex task of maintaining its market position while its CEO navigates corporate and government responsibilities. The situation highlights the increasing intersection between business leadership and political involvement in contemporary America.