Trump Buys Tesla in White House Stunt to Support Musk
The president's high-profile purchase comes as Tesla faces declining stock prices and criticism tied to Elon Musk's political alignment with the administration.
- President Donald Trump purchased a Tesla Model S during a White House event, presenting it as a show of support for Elon Musk and his electric vehicle company.
- The event followed a significant drop in Tesla's stock, with the company experiencing a 15.4% decline in a single day as sales and demand reportedly falter.
- Critics accused Trump of using the presidency to promote Musk's business interests, likening the event to a commercial and calling it a conflict of interest.
- Elon Musk, who serves as an advisor in Trump's administration, joked about the purchase during the event, which included a photo opportunity with Musk's son, X Æ A-12.
- The White House defended the purchase as a gesture of confidence in Tesla, while detractors highlighted Musk's controversial role in advancing the administration's policies to reduce government programs.