Tesla is in trouble, with stocks dropping rapidly, and CEO Elon Musk appears to be worried about the series of vandalism incidents in Tesla showrooms, charging stations, and vehicles. Hence, US President Donald Trump had to step in and protect Elon Musk’s business, who also serves as his special Senior Advisor. Trump is now planning to further criminalize acts of violence and boycotts against Tesla Inc., supposedly on Elon’s behalf.
The statement and report came from Trump himself during an interview in front of the White House. Earlier in the day, Trump notably bought some Tesla vehicles from Elon Musk right at the White House and even held on-the-spot interviews for the event. There, Trump was asked about his plans to defend Tesla against boycotts and attempts at vandalism.
Trump responded in turn, stating that he was going to stop and catch anyone caught in the act of “attacking” Tesla Inc.’s properties. Trump has promised that “those people” are going to go through “a lot of trouble” if caught. Furthermore, he plans to label violence on Tesla cars as acts of domestic terrorism.
“I will do that. I’ll do it. I’m going to stop them. We catch anybody doing it, because they’re harming a great American company. You know, I’ve stuck up for the NFL. I’ve stuck up for a lot of America companies and other companies, but American companies.
I did a very big favor for the NFL. I do favors for all of them. When you hurt an American company, especially a company like this– supplies so many jobs that others are unable to do, those people are going to go through a bigf problem when we catch them.
And we have a lot of cameras up. We already know who some of them are, we’re gonna catch them,” according to Trump, courtesy of Bloomberg.
Some of the more severe acts committed to Tesla Inc.’s properties include burning charging stations and parked Tesla cars. Of course, Trump was doing this all the while promoting Tesla vehicles right in front of the most symbolic administrative building in the US in an act that some people have labeled as “product placement at the White House.”
Online Reactions Have Pointed Out Several Issues and Absurdities
As usual, reactions from the tax-paying citizens of the US range from unsavory to satirical. Some have suggested that Trump’s prioritizing the protection of Tesla is absurd. Now, perhaps putting Tesla dealerships inside Capitol buildings could insulate them from violence and riots, such as the one caused by Trump’s supporters back in 2021.
“So if we want to protect the Capitol, we need to put a Tesla dealership inside?,” as suggested by Redditor u/joeshill.
Other reactions are more worried about just how much power a private citizen holds sway over the US administration.
“The scene is shocking. When has a private citizen ever had the president address the media to protect his businesses?” says Redditor u/rolsen
Trump’s Move Has Somewhat Helped Tesla’s Stock
Regardless, Trump purchasing Tesla cars and promoting them as well as promising to protect Tesla’s assets have actually helped the car company’s stock price go up by +8.43 today, though the general trend in the long term is still declining from its peak back in December 2024.
Elon Musk’s recent actions during Trump’s inauguration, particularly the infamous Nazi salute, have been one of the primary culprits of the stock price drop for Tesla. Now, Trump is planning to spend taxpayers’ money to fix the reputation that Elon Musk himself apparently ruined.
