Trump and Musk’s White House Showcase: A Press Conference or a Tesla Ad?
It was a surreal spectacle on the White House South Lawn on Tuesday—part press conference, part live Tesla commercial. Standing before a gleaming row of Tesla vehicles, President Donald Trump was joined by none other than Tesla CEO and Department of Government Efficiency Head Elon Musk, delivering what felt like a high-profile sales pitch from the nation’s most powerful address.
The timing of the event was striking. Tesla’s stock has been in freefall, wiping out all its gains since Election Day as Musk’s political maneuvers and aggressive government cuts have drawn sharp criticism. Adding to the turmoil, Tesla’s European sales have plummeted, further shaking investor confidence.
Yet, Tuesday’s event appeared to be an attempt to turn the tide. Tesla shares rallied, boosted by Trump’s declaration that any attacks on Tesla dealerships would be considered “domestic terrorism.” Meanwhile, Getty Images captured Trump holding a note reminiscent of a Tesla showroom advertisement, listing pricing details:
“Teslas can be purchased as low as $299/month or $35K,” the note read.
Whether a government policy announcement or a bold marketing stunt, one thing was clear: Tesla had the full backing of the White House on display—and the markets took notice.
Trump Rallies Behind Musk as Tesla Struggles: A Political and Financial Power Play
Elon Musk’s deepening ties with the U.S. government were on full display Tuesday, as President Trump personally championed Tesla, encouraging Americans to support the electric vehicle giant amid its stock slump.
As Tesla shares flounder, Trump has positioned himself as Musk’s biggest cheerleader, using his platform to bolster the company. The president even declared he was buying a Tesla, revealing he had already purchased a Cybertruck for his granddaughter.
“I think Musk has been treated very unfairly by a very small group of people,” Trump said from the White House, defending the Tesla CEO against growing nationwide protests—some of which have turned violent. He also took to Truth Social overnight, announcing his personal Tesla purchase as a “show of confidence and support for Elon Musk, a truly great American.”
Trump even went so far as to call boycotts against Tesla “illegal”—a striking statement that underscores how politically charged Tesla’s future has become.
Tesla Stock in Freefall Amid Tariff Uncertainty
Tesla shares closed up 3.8% on Tuesday, clawing back some of Monday’s brutal 15% drop. Still, the stock is down nearly 45% this year, erasing all gains since November.
While investors once piled into Tesla after the 2024 election, betting that Musk’s influence in the Trump administration would lead to favorable deregulation, those hopes have been dashed by Trump’s escalating trade war threats. Uncertainty over tariffs has sent Tesla’s stock on a wild ride, with concerns mounting over plummeting European sales and Musk’s polarizing political presence.
Wedbush: Musk’s “DOGE Path” Could Cost Tesla Its Brand
Musk’s growing role in the administration—including his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—has only fueled Tesla’s volatility.
In a scathing note Tuesday, Wedbush Securities warned that Musk’s laser focus on politics could be disastrous for Tesla’s brand.
“The DOGE efforts have now intertwined Tesla into this brewing political firestorm,” the note stated. “If Musk continues down this path 110% and neglects Tesla during this turbulent time, brand damage will become more pervasive.”
Despite these concerns, some analysts remain bullish on Tesla. Wedbush still views Tesla’s technology and innovation as strong and estimates that only 5% of Tesla owners would reconsider their purchase due to Musk’s controversies. Others see the stock’s dramatic drop as a buying opportunity.
Trump on His Tesla Purchase: “I Don’t Want a Discount”
As for Trump, his Tesla endorsement couldn’t have been more direct.
“I’m buying it full price,” Trump stated. “Musk would give me a discount, but if I take a discount, they’re gonna say, ‘Oh, I got benefits.’”
With Trump acting as Tesla’s most high-profile salesman, the real question remains: Can political backing override the company’s mounting business and regulatory challenges?
