Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he will be purchasing a new Tesla vehicle on Wednesday morning to express his support for billionaire Elon Musk, whom he praised as “a truly great American.”
Trump’s statement comes at a time when Tesla is facing a wave of vandalism at its showrooms, charging stations, and vehicles across the United States. Law enforcement agencies are investigating these attacks, which coincide with rising public backlash against Musk. Similar protests have been reported in other countries.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged Republicans and conservatives to rally behind Musk, accusing the “Radical Left Lunatics” of attempting to “illegally and collusively boycott Tesla” in an effort to harm Musk and his work. Drawing a parallel to his own political battles, Trump wrote, “They tried to do it to me at the 2024 Presidential Ballot Box, but how did that work out?” He added, “Why should [Musk] be punished for using his tremendous skills to help MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN?”
Musk responded by quoting Trump’s post and simply writing, “Thank you, President.”
Meanwhile, Tesla locations across the country have seen both peaceful protests and acts of vandalism. Some demonstrators have been chanting slogans like “Elon Musk has got to go” in response to budget and job cuts made by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk oversees.
While no injuries have been reported, the ongoing backlash and damage to Tesla properties pose financial challenges for the company. For the first time, Tesla has reported a decline in annual sales amid growing competition and controversy surrounding Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration.
According to Reuters, Tesla’s struggles are reflected in its global sales figures. While overall electric vehicle sales in Europe surged by 34% in January, Tesla’s sales plummeted by 50%. In China, the company’s second-largest market, Tesla’s sales dropped 29% in the first two months of the year.
With uncertainty looming over Tesla’s future, the automaker faces a crucial test as it navigates political and economic headwinds.
