Even President Trump Wants To Get Rid Of His Tesla Now
President Donald Trump appears to be backing away from Tesla following a public falling-out with Tesla CEO, Elon Musk.
Key Points
- Donald Trump is distancing himself from Tesla, saying he no longer wants the Model S he purchased in March, following a public fallout with CEO Elon Musk.
- The split comes after Musk criticized Trump's tax and spending bill, calling it a "disgusting abomination" and accusing Trump of being named in sealed Epstein files.
- Tesla's stock has suffered amid the political controversy, with sharp drops following both Musk's exit from his government post and the public feud, though shares showed signs of recovery shortly after.
According to a White House official speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Trump says he no longer wants the red Tesla Model S he purchased in March on the White House Lawn. The President's purchase was originally meant as a show of support amid a wave of dealership, supercharger, and vehicle vandalism.
The Model S remains parked at the White House complex—Trump isn't allowed to drive on public roads anymore as the sitting president. It's now symbolic of the fractured relationship between Trump and Musk, who served as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency before reportedly being asked to leave.
The conflict reached Daytona speeds after Musk criticized Trump’s signature tax and spending legislation. The Tesla man referred to the bill as a “disgusting abomination” and urged Americans to demand its defeat in Congress.
Musk's criticism didn’t stop at fiscal policy. Tensions intensified further when he alluded to Trump being mentioned in sensitive, sealed documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. White House officials say Trump has no intention of speaking to Elon Musk ever again.
Donald Trump seems to be the worst possible thing to happen to Tesla. Since the tech billionaire helped bankroll Trump's 2024 presidential election and appointment to a government post, the company has been subject to nationwide protests.
Vandalism of Tesla dealerships surged and prompted the FBI to issue a warning. Privately owned vehicles were being vandalized, and sales fell off a cliff—triggering a subsequent drop in Tesla's frothy stock price, severely impacting Elon Musk's net worth.
Trump’s abandonment of Tesla is in sharp contrast to his vocal support just a few months ago when he hosted a showcase of the automaker's offerings on the South Lawn and uttered those now-famous words: "everything's computer!"
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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Of course we KNEW it had to be THIS "author" writing this. 🙄
I'll keep the Tesla. Just get rid of Trump!