On March 11, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump bought a red Tesla Model X in a flashy White House stunt alongside Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
Staged on the South Lawn with a Cybertruck in tow, the move followed a 15% Tesla stock plunge tied to missed production goals and Trump’s new 25% steel and aluminum tariffs. “This is my pick,” Trump said, calling Musk a “patriot” and the car “beautiful.”
President @realDonaldTrump and @elonmusk hop in a Tesla! pic.twitter.com/NRRm7IEQGf
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) March 11, 2025Trump’s tariffs, now in effect, aim to boost U.S. manufacturing but have sparked a global sell-off. The S&P 500 fell 2.7% Monday, with Nvidia, Meta, and Amazon also hit hard after Trump’s recession hints. Tesla shares rose 3.6% Tuesday post-purchase, yet UBS analysts flag delivery woes. Critics warn of price hikes, while the American Iron and Steel Institute cheers job prospects.
Trump, joined by Musk and son X, rejected a discount, “I pay full price,” he insisted, defending Musk against “radical left” backlash. He labeled Tesla showroom attacks “domestic terrorism,” vowing action as police probe vandalism. Though barred from driving, Trump greenlit White House staff use. Canada dodged doubled tariffs, but trade tensions with the EU and Australia loom large.
