Trump Turns White House Lawn Into Tesla Showcase for Musk/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump transformed the White House lawn into a Tesla showroom, showcasing five Tesla vehicles alongside Elon Musk. Trump praised the Cybertruck and pledged to buy a Tesla, despite his past criticism of electric vehicles. The event raised ethical concerns, as critics accused Trump of using his office to promote Musk’s struggling company.
Trump’s Tesla Showcase: Quick Looks
- White House Display: Trump hosted a Tesla showcase on the South Lawn, promoting the brand.
- Musk’s Presence: Elon Musk stood beside Trump, receiving a public endorsement from the president.
- Trump’s Tesla Purchase: The president announced he would buy a red Model S, saying he liked the design.
- Live on X: The event was livestreamed by Dan Scavino, boosting Tesla’s visibility.
- Stock Market Impact: Tesla’s stock rebounded after a 15% drop, following Trump’s endorsement.
- Ethics Concerns: Critics argue Trump’s promotion of a private company violates ethical standards.
- Tesla’s Struggles: The company faces boycotts, vandalism at charging stations, and backlash over Musk’s political influence.
- Union Tensions: The event contrasted with Biden’s past snubbing of Tesla, due to labor disputes and Musk’s stance on unions.
Deep Look: Trump Turns White House Lawn Into Tesla Showroom
Trump Hosts Tesla Showcase, Praises Musk’s Company
President Donald Trump transformed the White House South Lawn into a Tesla showroom Tuesday, delivering a highly visible endorsement for the electric car company and its CEO, Elon Musk.
Five Tesla vehicles, including the Cybertruck and Model S, were parked outside the White House, where Trump inspected them alongside Musk.
“That is the coolest design,” Trump said, pointing at the Cybertruck. “They’re beautiful cars.”
The event was livestreamed on X (formerly Twitter), the social media platform owned by Musk, ensuring maximum exposure for Tesla at a time when the company has faced stock market declines and public backlash.
Trump Announces Tesla Purchase, Boosts Company Amid Struggles
Despite frequent criticism of electric vehicles, Trump announced he would buy a Tesla, saying he had heard “good things” from his friends.
“The one I like is that one,” he said, pointing to a red Model S, which starts at $73,490.
While he did not take a test drive, Trump said he might do so later. He also emphasized that he would pay by check, a notable detail amid ongoing discussions about Tesla’s financial stability.
The event came one day after Tesla’s stock dropped 15%, following concerns about Musk’s political influence, labor disputes, and declining sales. After Trump’s endorsement, shares rebounded in pre-market trading.
Ethics Controversy: Is Trump Violating Government Rules?
The unprecedented presidential promotion of Tesla raised serious ethical concerns.
- Presidents rarely endorse consumer products, as ethics rules prohibit officials from using their office for private business gain.
- In 2017, Kellyanne Conway received an ethics warning for promoting Ivanka Trump’s fashion line.
- The White House declined to comment on whether Trump’s Tesla showcase violated ethics laws.
“Just because the corruption plays out in public doesn’t mean it’s not corruption,” said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), criticizing Trump’s Tesla event.
Musk’s Political Influence and Tesla’s Challenges
The event underscored Musk’s deepening ties to the Trump administration, which have raised concerns among members of Trump’s Cabinet and government agencies.
- Musk serves as an adviser to Trump, leading the Department of Government Efficiency.
- Lawsuits claim Musk has exceeded his authority, making decisions outside his legal jurisdiction.
- Tesla has faced union conflicts, political backlash, and vandalism at charging stations.
Despite these challenges, Musk remains a major Trump donor, having contributed over $250 million to his 2024 campaign.
“He’s built this great company, and he shouldn’t be penalized because he’s a patriot,” Trump said, defending Musk.
A Shift from Biden’s Approach to Tesla
Tuesday’s event marked a stark contrast from how the Biden administration treated Tesla.
- In 2021, Biden did not invite Tesla to an EV summit, leading Musk to accuse the White House of a snub.
- Musk’s opposition to labor unions and clashes with the United Auto Workers (UAW) created tension with Democratic leaders.
- With Tesla now struggling in the market, Trump’s full-throated endorsement highlights a new alliance between Musk and the Republican Party.
What’s Next? Tesla’s Political and Market Future
With Trump promoting Tesla and Musk increasing his political influence, key questions remain:
- Will Tesla’s stock continue to recover following Trump’s endorsement?
- How will ethics watchdogs respond to Trump’s public endorsement of a private company?
- Will Musk’s political ties help Tesla, or will they fuel more boycotts and regulatory scrutiny?
For now, Trump’s show of support has given Tesla a much-needed boost, but the political and legal fallout remains to be seen.
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