Former U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged to purchase a Tesla, expressing unwavering support for Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has been both a top campaign donor and a close advisor in recent months.
Taking to his Truth Social platform early Tuesday morning, Trump wrote, “To Republicans, Conservatives, and all great Americans, Elon Musk is ‘putting it on the line’ in order to help our Nation, and he is doing a FANTASTIC JOB!”
He accused “Radical Left Lunatics” of attempting to sabotage Tesla’s reputation, calling it an “illegal and collusive boycott” targeting both Musk and his achievements.
Trump’s Bold Move
In his post, Trump declared his intentions:
“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???”
Musk, who has become one of Trump’s key allies, responded on X (formerly Twitter), thanking the former president for his support.
Musk’s Controversial Role in Government
Since Trump returned to the White House in January, Musk has led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new federal agency tasked with cutting government spending and reducing bureaucracy. While Musk’s initiatives have earned praise from Trump, they have sparked protests, legal challenges, and backlash from lawmakers.
Challenges for Tesla
Tesla has faced a string of challenges tied to Musk’s growing political involvement.
- Plummeting Sales: Tesla’s sales in Europe have dropped significantly, with a 76% decline in Germany, the region’s largest auto market, in February alone. Similar trends were observed across the EU.
- Shareholder Concerns: Tesla’s market value has fallen by more than a third since December, with shares dropping over 15% on Monday amid fears of buyer backlash and Musk’s divisive politics.
- Acts of Vandalism: In March, Teslas were torched at a dealership in France, while facilities in the U.S. have also been vandalized.
Tesla’s troubles have been compounded by Musk’s public endorsement of controversial political figures and far-right groups, including Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party during recent elections.
Customer Reactions
Some Tesla owners have expressed regret over their purchases, criticizing Musk’s polarizing actions. Bumper stickers declaring vehicles were bought “before Elon went crazy” have reportedly appeared on cars.
Market Turmoil
The broader market has felt the impact of these controversies. The tech-heavy Nasdaq index fell 4% on Monday, with major companies like Apple, Amazon, and Tesla experiencing sharp declines.
Cybersecurity Concerns
Musk also revealed that X suffered a significant cyberattack on Monday, raising concerns about whether the platform’s reduced workforce, following Musk’s staff cuts, contributed to its vulnerability.
While Musk’s alignment with Trump has strengthened their partnership, it has come at a steep cost for Tesla’s reputation and market stability.
