Trump Backs Musk, Says He’ll Buy a Tesla as Company Faces Decline/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump announced he will buy a Tesla to show support for Elon Musk, as Tesla faces declining sales and stock struggles. Musk, who serves as Trump’s top adviser on government efficiency, is balancing his leadership at Tesla, SpaceX, and X while working closely with the administration. Tesla has faced protests and vandalism, including gunshots at an Oregon dealership and an arson attack on Cybertrucks in Seattle. Meanwhile, Musk’s comments about cutting “entitlements” sparked backlash, forcing a White House clarification. As Tesla’s challenges grow, Trump’s backing may provide symbolic but uncertain business support.
Trump’s Tesla Support: Quick Looks
- President Trump announces he will buy a Tesla to show confidence in Elon Musk.
- Tesla is struggling with declining sales and stock price drops, as political backlash mounts.
- Musk serves as a key Trump adviser while continuing to run Tesla, X (formerly Twitter), and SpaceX.
- Trump claims Tesla is facing an “illegal and collusive boycott” by left-wing activists.
- Security concerns arise, as U.S. presidents typically do not drive for safety reasons.
- Musk admits managing his businesses while advising Trump is difficult, but says he remains committed.
- Tesla faces protests and vandalism, including gunshots at an Oregon dealership and arson targeting Cybertrucks in Seattle.
- Musk’s comments about cutting “entitlements” spark controversy, prompting a White House clarification.
Deep Look: Trump Backs Musk With Tesla Purchase Amid Company’s Financial Troubles
Trump Doubles Down on Loyalty to Musk
In a rare personal endorsement, President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he will purchase a Tesla vehicle, a high-profile show of support for Elon Musk, who is currently facing financial struggles and political attacks.
“Elon Musk is ‘putting it on the line’ to help our Nation, and he is doing a FANTASTIC JOB!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The move highlights Trump’s close ties to Musk, who played a key role in Trump’s 2024 campaign and now serves as his top adviser on government downsizing through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Tesla Struggles With Sales and Stock Declines
While Musk remains a dominant figure in tech and business, Tesla is facing serious financial difficulties:
- Sales have dropped sharply, with analysts warning of slowing demand for EVs.
- Tesla’s stock price has plunged, reflecting investor concerns about Musk’s political involvement.
- Musk has been balancing Tesla, SpaceX, and X while also working directly with Trump’s administration.
Musk Admits Challenges in Balancing Business and Government Role
During a Monday interview with Fox Business, host Larry Kudlow asked Musk about how he is managing multiple businesses while working as Trump’s adviser.
Kudlow: “How are you running your other businesses?”
Musk: “With great difficulty.”
Kudlow: “But there’s no turning back?”
Musk: “I’m just here trying to make government more efficient, eliminate waste and fraud.”
Security and Presidential Driving Concerns
While Trump’s public Tesla purchase is symbolic, it raises practical questions:
- Presidents almost never drive for security reasons.
- Joe Biden drove an electric truck for a promotional event, but under strict Secret Service supervision.
- Trump has not detailed how the Tesla purchase will be handled or where the vehicle will be kept.
Tesla Faces Protests and Vandalism
Adding to Tesla’s woes, the company is facing increasing hostility:
- Gunshots were fired at a Tesla dealership in Oregon, prompting an active police investigation.
- A suspected arson attack destroyed four Tesla Cybertrucks at a Seattle facility.
These incidents highlight rising tensions surrounding Musk’s political involvement.
Musk’s Social Security Comments Spark Controversy
Musk stirred further debate Monday by suggesting major cuts to federal benefits, stating:
“Most of the federal spending is entitlements. That’s the big one to eliminate.”
This immediately sparked backlash, with Democrats accusing Musk of targeting Social Security and Medicare.
The White House quickly defended Musk, clarifying his statement was about wasteful spending, not benefits themselves:
“He was clearly talking about the WASTE in the programs. Spare us the fake outrage,” the White House posted on X.
What’s Next?
As Tesla continues to struggle financially, Trump’s public support may boost brand visibility, but it remains to be seen whether it will help reverse Tesla’s declining sales and stock performance.
Meanwhile, Musk’s dual role as Trump’s adviser and corporate leader remains a subject of intense debate, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest and long-term business impact.
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