On Tuesday, President Donald Trump made a bold move to show his support for Tesla CEO Elon Musk by purchasing a red Tesla Model S, worth around $80,000.
The car was displayed on the South Lawn of the White House, which had been transformed into a temporary Tesla showroom, complete with five models, including the famous Cybertruck.
Trump, stepping into the driver's seat, was visibly impressed. "Wow, that's beautiful," he said, admiring the vehicle.
Musk, sitting in the passenger seat, joked about giving the Secret Service a heart attack as they discussed the car's impressive acceleration capabilities, AP News said.
While Trump didn't take the car for a test drive, he confirmed that he would pay for the vehicle using a personal check and planned to leave it at the White House for his staff's use.
This purchase is more than just a car; it's a show of solidarity from Trump to Musk, who has faced significant challenges.
Tesla's sales have been dropping, and its stock price has fallen dramatically, shedding nearly 48% of its value since Trump took office. Despite these struggles, Trump has repeatedly defended Musk, praising him as a great patriot who is helping the country.
Trump Defends Musk, Accuses "Radical Left Lunatics" of Trying to Harm Tesla
"People should celebrate him," Trump said, referring to Musk. He has also accused the "Radical Left Lunatics" of trying to harm Musk and Tesla by boycotting the company.
According to DailyMail, Trump further expressed his support by writing on social media that Musk was "putting it on the line" for the country and doing a "fantastic job."
Musk, who also runs the social media platform X and the aerospace company SpaceX, has become an influential figure in Trump's second administration.
He has been tasked with overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to cut down on government waste and reduce the size of the federal government. This role has brought Musk both praise and criticism, especially from those who oppose Trump's policies.
In addition to defending Musk, Trump used the opportunity to take a dig at his predecessor, Joe Biden. Trump joked that Biden wouldn't even be able to get into the Tesla, further underscoring the differences between the two leaders.
Tesla's recent struggles have included protests, vandalism, and a significant decline in stock value.
The company's vehicles have been targets of political protests, and Tesla dealerships have faced acts of violence, such as shootings and fires. Despite the challenges, Musk remains committed to his work, though his approach to government efficiency has been controversial.
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