Trump Hosts Tesla Showcase at White House, Purchases Model S to Support Elon Musk

The President praised Musk and Tesla while defending controversial tariffs and addressing criticism over economic struggles.

President Donald Trump turned the White House South Lawn into a Tesla showroom, personally inspecting vehicles and announcing his purchase of a Tesla Model S.
The event was framed as a show of support for Elon Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and has faced backlash over mass layoffs and federal budget cuts.
Tesla's stock, which has dropped over 50% since Trump took office, saw a minor uptick following the President's endorsement and public praise of the company.
Trump defended Musk against critics, calling him a 'patriot' and proposing to classify violence against Tesla dealerships as domestic terrorism.
The President's actions have drawn scrutiny, with critics questioning the optics of promoting luxury vehicles while markets decline and economic uncertainty grows due to ongoing tariffs.