In what some are calling one of the most bizarre White House events in recent memory, President Donald Trump staged a public Tesla-buying event alongside billionaire Elon Musk.
President Trump has purchased his new Tesla. Credit: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Taking place on March 11, the 78-year-old president posed with various Tesla models on the South Lawn of the White House, praising the company’s quality and slamming Musk’s “unfair treatment” by critics.
The event saw Trump declaring his intention to buy a Tesla Model S for himself and a Cybertruck for his 17-year-old granddaughter, Kai Trump.
It came after Trump addressed the Tesla boycott in a Truth Social post, writing: “I’m going to buy a brand new Tesla tomorrow morning as a show of confidence and support for Elon Musk, a truly great American. Why should he be punished for putting his tremendous skills to work in order to help MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN???”
During the event, Trump – wearing his signature blue suit and red tie – was seen holding a note.
Captured by a photographer at the spectacle, a close-up reveals that the note detailed Tesla prices for various models and colors. The list read:
“Tesla Pricing:
- Model X – $112,490 (silver)
- Cybertruck – $114,000 (Gray)
- Model S – $108,990 (Blue)
- Model Y – $59,990 (Red)”
Beneath the list, an additional note emphasized affordability: “Teslas can be purchased as low as $299/month or $35K. All cars have self-driving, just needs to be turned on (fee).”
Trump was seen holding a handwritten note with a full price breakdown. Credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
The handwritten breakdown fueled speculation that the entire event was nothing more than a coordinated PR stunt aimed at boosting Tesla sales, which have declined sharply in recent months amid ongoing protests.
During the event, Trump also insisted to Musk: “I don’t want a discount.”
A Political Show of Support for Musk?
Trump’s sudden enthusiasm for Tesla comes as Elon Musk faces backlash from former Tesla customers over his increasingly public alignment with right-wing politics.
While Tesla was once a favorite among liberal and environmentally conscious buyers, Musk’s political stances — such as the “First Buddy” leading DOGE — have alienated many customers.
At the event, Trump defended Musk, saying: “Because, number one, it’s a great product, as good as it gets, and number two,” Trump said, pointing to Musk, “because this man has devoted his energy and his life to doing this, and I think he’s been treated very unfairly by a very small group of people.”
Trump condemned the ongoing protests against Telsa. Credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Despite his sudden support for electric vehicles, Trump has historically criticized EVs.
Just last summer, while speaking in Chicago at the National Association of Black Journalists, Trump stated: “I’m against everybody having an electric car” — despite Musk’s endorsement of his presidency.