Trump Turns White House Lawn into a Tesla Showroom

In an unprecedented move, President Donald Trump transformed the South Lawn of the White House into an impromptu Tesla showroom, giving billionaire CEO Elon Musk a significant public endorsement amid challenges facing the automaker. The event, livestreamed on X (formerly Twitter), featured Trump inspecting Tesla vehicles and publicly committing to purchasing one, signaling strong support for Musk and the struggling EV giant.

A Presidential Seal of Approval

Five Tesla models were delivered to the White House, lining the driveway as Trump personally reviewed them alongside Musk. He praised the company's signature Cybertruck, calling it “the coolest design,” and expressed enthusiasm about owning a Tesla himself.

“The one I like is that one, and I want the same color,” Trump said, pointing to a red Model S, which starts at $73,490. While he didn't take a test drive, he mentioned that he might in the future.

A Rare Presidential Endorsement

Trump’s public review of Tesla raises ethical concerns, as sitting presidents typically avoid explicitly endorsing consumer products. Historically, similar endorsements have drawn scrutiny—such as when former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway was reprimanded for promoting Ivanka Trump’s fashion line in 2017. However, the former president appeared undeterred, ensuring maximum visibility for his Tesla support through a livestream coordinated by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino.

Political and Market Implications

Tesla’s stock, which has been experiencing steady declines amid controversy over Musk’s political affiliations and involvement in government job cuts, saw a slight recovery following Trump’s high-profile endorsement. Despite growing backlash against Musk’s influence in politics—including accusations of supporting far-right groups—Trump focused on painting Tesla as a great American company under siege.

“They’re harming a great American company,” Trump stated, condemning recent vandalism at Tesla charging stations and emphasizing Musk’s contributions to the U.S. economy. Musk, in turn, announced plans to double Tesla’s vehicle output in the country.

The Bigger Picture

The event also underscored the contrast between Trump’s approach and that of the Biden administration. In 2021, Tesla was notably absent from a White House EV summit, a perceived snub that contributed to Musk’s political shift away from the Democratic Party. Now, with Musk firmly in Trump’s corner—both financially and ideologically—Tesla has become a focal point of the administration’s business-friendly messaging.

Musk’s Expanding Role in Government

Beyond his role as Tesla CEO, Musk has emerged as a key figure in Trump’s administration, heading the Department of Government Efficiency. This dual influence has sparked lawsuits questioning his legal authority, while some Trump Cabinet members have reportedly voiced frustration over his involvement in federal agencies.

Musk’s deep ties to Trump’s reelection bid further blur the lines between business and politics. He contributed over $250 million to the campaign and leveraged his social media platform, X, to amplify pro-Trump messaging. Trump’s Tesla purchase appears to be another step in solidifying their alliance.

A Symbolic Purchase

In a late-night Truth Social post, Trump made his intentions clear: “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.”

Given the security constraints of the presidency, it's unlikely Trump will be driving a Tesla anytime soon. However, the spectacle of a sitting president personally endorsing a private company has already left a lasting impact—politically, economically, and ethically.

As Trump steers his administration further into the orbit of high-profile billionaire allies, the implications