Trump’s Shocking Tesla Move: Is He Teaming Up with Elon Musk?

Donald Trump has spent years mocking electric cars, calling them unreliable, overpriced, and part of a liberal agenda. So when he suddenly climbed into a bright red Tesla Model S and announced he was buying it—at full price—it caught everyone off guard.

Was this a political stunt? A strategic move? Or did Trump really have a change of heart about electric vehicles?

One thing is clear: this was about more than just a car. It was a public statement, a nod to Elon Musk, and another moment designed to grab headlines.

So what’s really behind this move?

What Actually Happened?

It all unfolded on March 11, 2025, outside the White House. Tesla had set up a display of its newest cars, and most assumed Trump wouldn’t pay any attention to them.

Instead, he did something unexpected.

He walked up to a red Tesla Model S, opened the door, and announced, “I’m buying it. No discount. Full price.”

Then, he took the opportunity to denounce recent attacks on Tesla dealerships, calling them “domestic terrorism” and promising to take action.

For someone who has spent years dismissing electric vehicles, this sudden public endorsement raised plenty of questions.

Why Does This Matter?

1. Trump Has Been Against Electric Cars for Years

Trump has never been subtle about his opinions on electric vehicles. He has:

• Mocked their battery life and charging times
• Criticized government subsidies for EVs
• Praised gas-powered cars as the “real American cars”

So why the sudden embrace of Tesla? Did he truly change his mind, or is there something bigger at play?

2. Tesla Is Facing Challenges

Tesla has been struggling lately. The company is dealing with:

• Declining sales, especially in China and Europe
• A falling stock price
• Increased competition from other electric vehicle brands
• Questions about Musk’s leadership as he juggles Tesla, SpaceX, and his social media platform

With Tesla under pressure, Trump’s public support could be a boost—especially among conservative buyers who have been skeptical about electric vehicles.

3. Trump and Musk Are Growing Closer

This wasn’t just about a car; it was about the growing relationship between Trump and Musk.

• Musk was recently appointed as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency in Trump’s administration
• Trump, who once criticized Musk, is now calling him a “brilliant businessman”
• By publicly buying a Tesla, Trump is signaling his support for Musk at a time when Tesla could use it

This raises questions about whether Tesla might benefit from government policies or contracts in the future.

Musk’s Response: Subtle but Telling

Rather than making a formal statement, Musk responded in his usual style—by posting a single cool-headed remark on social media and sharing an old video of Trump driving a Cybertruck.

The video, originally from a 2024 interview with Adin Ross, showed Trump behind the wheel of a Cybertruck that had been given to him as a gift.

Musk’s response made one thing clear: he enjoyed the attention and likely welcomed Trump’s support.

What Do Industry Experts Think?

Not everyone is convinced this is good news for Tesla. Some experts believe Musk is too caught up in politics, and that it’s distracting from the company’s real challenges.

Dan Ives, a well-known Tesla analyst, has warned that Musk needs to refocus on Tesla or risk falling further behind competitors.

Tesla is currently facing:

• Intense competition from cheaper electric vehicles made in China
• Delays in new vehicle production
• Concerns from investors about its long-term growth

If Musk spends too much time on political issues, Tesla’s position in the market could continue to weaken, and Trump’s endorsement won’t be enough to change that.

Does This Help or Hurt Tesla?

How It Could Help:

• Trump’s endorsement could attract more conservative buyers to Tesla
• A new customer base could help Tesla recover from declining sales
• Musk’s political connections might lead to government contracts or policy advantages

How It Could Hurt:

• Many Tesla customers lean liberal, and Trump’s involvement might turn them away
• Investors may see Musk’s political focus as a distraction from Tesla’s real problems
• If Musk doesn’t refocus on Tesla’s core business, the company could lose even more ground to competitors