President Donald Trump made headlines Tuesday after a White House event where he voiced his support for Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk. A photo from the event caught attention when it showed Trump holding a list of Tesla vehicle prices while standing next to a lineup of the company’s electric cars on the South Lawn.
Ahead of the gathering, Trump took to Truth Social to announce his interest in purchasing one of Musk’s vehicles as a gesture of support. While speaking to the media, he admired a sleek red Model S parked nearby.
“That’s a beauty,” Trump remarked before suggesting he would write a check for the car, which retails for around $80,000.
The president also expressed interest in gifting his 17-year-old granddaughter, Kai, a Cybertruck—Tesla’s futuristic pickup truck, which has a base price of nearly $80,000.
Alongside his prepared speech, a handwritten note detailing Tesla pricing was spotted. The note read: “Teslas can be purchased as low as $299/month or $35K,” resembling a sales pitch for the automaker. A White House photographer snapped an image of the paper, which quickly circulated online.
Although electric vehicle buyers may qualify for federal tax incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act, it remains unclear whether Trump would be eligible for such benefits. Under U.S. law, a president earns $400,000 annually, far exceeding the $300,000 income cap for the EV tax credit. In 2016, Trump famously said he would accept only a $1 salary during his presidency, though he has not confirmed whether he will continue that policy in his second term.
The White House has not responded to inquiries regarding the Tesla price list.
Trump Backs Musk Amid Tesla’s Challenges
Trump’s endorsement of Tesla comes at a time when the company faces mounting criticism and financial struggles. Musk, who has aligned himself with the administration’s new DOGE office, has faced backlash from protesters in the U.S. and Europe who oppose his political stances. Some demonstrations have even escalated to vandalism of Tesla showrooms.
Meanwhile, Tesla’s stock has suffered a significant downturn, plunging 55% from its record highs in December. As of Tuesday, shares closed at $230.58 amid concerns over declining global sales and questions about whether Musk is overly focused on his political connections rather than running the company.
Despite these setbacks, Trump defended Musk and his contributions to the electric vehicle industry.
“I’m buying a Tesla because, number one, it’s an incredible product, absolutely top-tier, and number two,” he said, pointing to Musk, “because this man has dedicated himself to this industry, and I believe he’s been treated very unfairly by a very small, vocal group of people.”
Although the president admitted he wouldn’t be able to drive the car himself—since presidents are typically chauffeured—he noted that White House staff could put it to use.
A Shift in Trump’s Stance on EVs?
Trump’s show of support for Tesla marks a shift from some of his past remarks on electric vehicles. During a speech last summer at the National Association of Black Journalists conference in Chicago, he expressed skepticism about widespread EV adoption, stating he was “against everybody having an electric car.”
However, with Musk’s continued influence and Tesla’s role in the U.S. economy, Trump’s stance appears to have evolved. Whether this new backing of Tesla will translate into policy shifts remains to be seen.
Sources: Business Insider