US President Purchases Red Model X at White House Event Amid Growing Tesla Controversy
In a highly publicized event on the South Lawn of the White House, US President Donald Trump purchased a red Tesla Model X directly from Tesla CEO and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Head Elon Musk. The event, staged in front of a lineup of Tesla vehicles—including the futuristic Cybertruck—was a symbolic show of support for Musk amid escalating tensions surrounding Tesla and its outspoken leader.
Sitting inside the Model X, Trump admired the vehicle, stating, “That’s beautiful,” before confirming his purchase. He and Musk also examined a Cybertruck, with Musk demonstrating its bulletproof capability.
“He’s a Great Guy, A Patriot”
Praising Musk, Trump called him a “great guy” and “a patriot” while emphasizing that his support for Tesla was not about politics.
“He’s done a great job… It’s not that he’s a Republican… Sometimes, I’m not even sure what he is in terms of his philosophy, but he’s a great guy. He’s a patriot,” Trump stated.
The event comes as Tesla’s stock has faced a significant downturn since Election Day, with Musk’s increasing political involvement and government efficiency measures drawing both praise and backlash. However, following Trump’s public endorsement, Tesla shares saw an uptick.
Vandalism & Protest Concerns
In recent weeks, Tesla showrooms, charging stations, and vehicles have been targeted in multiple acts of vandalism across the US, with police actively investigating. Peaceful protests have also erupted, with demonstrators chanting “Elon Musk has got to go.”
Trump vowed to take a strong stance against these attacks, stating that he is considering labeling violent actions against Tesla as “domestic terrorism.”
“I think (Musk has) been treated very unfairly by a very small group of people, and I just want people to know that he can’t be penalized for being a patriot,” Trump said.
When asked if he would formally designate Tesla-related attacks as domestic terrorism, Trump responded: “I will do that, I’ll do it. I’m going to stop them.”
Trump Pays Full Price, Won’t Drive It
The US President confirmed that he purchased the Tesla at full price, rejecting any discounts from Musk to avoid political scrutiny.
“I don’t want a discount,” Trump insisted. “If I do a discount, they’re gonna say, ‘Oh, I got benefits.'”
Although Trump will not personally drive the Tesla—due to security restrictions—he noted that White House staff would be allowed to use it.
This high-profile endorsement marks another chapter in the evolving relationship between politics, technology, and corporate leadership in the US. Whether it helps Tesla’s public image remains to be seen, but for now, Trump’s very public Tesla purchase has put the automaker back in the spotlight.