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.
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???"
Trump’s Tesla Shopping List Exposed
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)."
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."
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.
A Financially Motivated Stunt?
Tesla’s stock price has suffered amid falling sales and concerns that Musk is too distracted by his growing involvement in politics.
The company’s stock plunged 55% from record highs in December, and Tesla shares closed at $230.58 on Tuesday, per Insider.
Adding to Tesla’s troubles, protests have erupted in both the U.S. and Europe, with demonstrators criticizing Musk’s political influence and some even vandalizing Tesla showrooms.
During a press conference at the White House, President Trump issued a stern warning against acts of violence targeting Tesla and its properties, vowing swift action against those responsible.
When asked whether he would classify violent protesters as domestic terrorists, he responded decisively: "I will do that, I'll do it. I'm going to stop them."
He went on to emphasize the government's surveillance efforts, stating: "Those people are going to have a big problem when we catch them. We've got a lot of cameras up, we already know who some of them are. We're going to catch them. And they're bad guys."
Trump Buys a Car He Can’t Drive
While Trump eagerly offered to write a check for his Model S, he also admitted that he won’t actually be able to drive it due to security protocols.
"I'm gonna buy one, now here's the bad news. I'm not allowed to drive," President Trump said. "I haven't driven a car in a long time. And I love to drive cars. But I'm gonna have it at the White House and I'm gonna let my staff use it. I'm gonna let people at the place use it. They all are all excited about that."
"I'm not allowed to use it," he continued. "Can you believe it?"
His granddaughter Kai, however, is expected to get behind the wheel of the Cybertruck — assuming she actually wants the vehicle.
Social Media Reacts
Predictably, the internet exploded with reactions to Trump's note - with many slamming the POTUS for endorsing Tesla on White House grounds to such an extent.
On Reddit, one user summed up the event by saying: "Jesus. This is one of those pictures you see in history books for all the wrong reasons."
"This is extraordinary. The President of the United States is a literal car salesman now," another added.
One Reddit user added: "Using official white house press events to do literal advertisements for his billionaire friends. He needs to be impeached immediately."
Another quipped: "This administration is so unserious. Not that I’m surprised, but every week they escalate to a new level."
"There used to be an Office Government Ethics. I think you can imagine how much their guidance is heeded now," wrote another.
Others couldn’t resist mocking the blatant sales pitch, with one user joking: "This guy should be a World Limbo Champion because there is no bar he can't go lower than."