In a notable development in Washington, former President Donald Trump announced his intention to purchase a Tesla to showcase his loyalty to Elon Musk, the CEO of the electric vehicle company. Trump’s relationship with Musk has undergone a significant transformation over the years, shifting from critical to supportive, reflecting his changing views on electric vehicles (EVs) as well.
Historically, Trump has been a vocal critic of EVs, often expressing skepticism about their practicality and cost. Around Christmas 2023, he lambasted electric vehicles in a social media post, lumping them in with other political adversaries in a message that suggested animosity against those who, in his view, sought to undermine the United States. In a rally speech in Iowa, Trump criticized the perceived limitations of EVs, such as their range and expense. He humorously depicted a scenario involving electric military tanks needing recharging in a desert, a comment meant to illustrate his skepticism.
During an event in New Hampshire, Trump continued to express doubts about EV range by suggesting that an electric car couldn’t reliably take someone out of the state without frequent charging stops, humorously advising people might need a gas turbine to ensure travel plans aren’t thwarted. His jibe in Iowa remarked on the necessity of towing companies for electric vehicles.
The topic of electric vehicles became particularly prominent during the United Auto Workers strike in September 2023. Trump criticized President Joe Biden’s electric vehicle policies, calling them a “hoax” and argued the initiatives would harm autoworkers and benefit companies manufacturing in China. According to Trump, these steps were the brainchild of what he termed radical left elements, including fascists and communists.
Yet in contrast to his criticisms, Trump has also praised electric vehicles on occasion. During his first presidential term, he lauded the Lordstown Motors’ all-electric truck, describing it as an impressive vehicle. His endorsement from Musk ahead of a potential White House run led Trump to balance his rhetoric, acknowledging that while he supports electric cars in principle, they aren’t suited for everyone. During an Atlanta rally, Trump noted his support for electric vehicles, attributing this stance to being endorsed by Musk. Later in a conversation on social media, he complimented Tesla as a “great product” while maintaining that electric cars should not be a universal choice.
At his inauguration, Trump asserted plans to undo what he described as the “electric vehicle mandate,” positioning it as a move to protect the auto industry. He emphasized consumer freedom in vehicle choice, despite there being no explicit federal mandate at the time forcing the purchase of electric vehicles. Instead, Biden’s policies favored transitioning to EVs through incentives rather than mandates.
In an expression of his evolving allegiance, Trump appeared with Musk at an event outside the White House where several Tesla vehicles were presented, including the Cybertruck. Trump committed to purchasing a Tesla and selected a red Model S, aiming to set an example and potentially boost the company’s stock. He clarified that he intended to pay full price as president and planned to keep the car at the White House for staff use.
Trump’s earlier contentious interactions with Musk have clearly shifted to camaraderie. Once engaging in an online spat where Trump criticized Musk’s reliance on government subsidies and belittled his projects, this sentiment has dramatically softened. Today, Trump speaks highly of Musk, acknowledging his contributions and dismissing any grievances that could have emerged following adjustments to electric vehicle regulations during his administration. Trump perceives Musk as a patriot unfairly treated by a small group of detractors and hopes his personal support will counteract this perceived bias.
