On March 11, U.S. President Trump purchased a red Tesla Model S electric car outside the White House as a show of support for Musk's electric car company. On that day, several Tesla electric cars, including the Model S, Cybertruck, and Model Y, were parked outside the White House. Trump ultimately chose the Model S, stating he did not need a discount and would write a check for the purchase.
After sitting inside the car, Trump praised, "It's beautiful," and discussed with Musk how to start the car. Musk humorously remarked that the car might "give the Secret Service a heart attack." Trump also mentioned he would pay about $80,000 for the car and leave it at the White House for other staff members to use. He emphasized that this move also helps boost Tesla's stock price and called it a "fantastic product."
Additionally, Trump stated he would classify recent violent acts against Tesla dealerships as "domestic terrorism." Tesla's market value shrank by $130 billion on March 10, and Musk, in an interview, noted he faces significant business pressure while cooperating with the Trump administration. Trump also posted on social media, expressing his intent to purchase Tesla vehicles to support Musk and the company.
