President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he plans to purchase a Tesla, expressing his support for Elon Musk as the automaker faces declining sales and a struggling stock price. Trump accused “radical left lunatics” of orchestrating an “illegal and collusive” boycott against Tesla, which he described as one of the world’s top car manufacturers.
“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social early Tuesday.
Musk’s political alignment with Trump has sparked backlash, particularly due to his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a cost-cutting initiative in Trump’s administration. His involvement in government has drawn criticism and is believed to be a factor in Tesla’s recent struggles. Reports of protests, vandalized Tesla vehicles, and declining European sales suggest that Musk’s political presence is affecting the company’s brand image.
Trump also warned that any violence against Tesla dealerships would be classified as domestic terrorism. However, despite his claims that the boycott is illegal, the Supreme Court ruled in 1982 that the First Amendment protects Americans’ rights to protest private businesses.
Musk acknowledged in a Monday interview with Fox Business that his role in government has made running his businesses more difficult. “You’re giving up your other stuff,” he admitted, recognizing the challenges that have come with his political involvement. Tesla’s stock has taken a major hit, plummeting 43% in 2025 and recording its worst single-day loss since 2020. Analysts have pointed to Musk’s political stance as a key factor behind the company’s struggles, with concerns that customers may be hesitant to buy Tesla vehicles amid the controversy.
Following Trump’s public support and a Morgan Stanley note advising investors to buy Tesla shares after the decline, the stock rebounded 3.8% on Tuesday, breaking a three-day losing streak. However, tensions within Trump’s administration are growing, as a New York Times report last week revealed criticism from Cabinet members over Musk’s government efficiency initiatives.
Despite the mounting challenges, Trump remains firm in his backing of Musk, calling him a “fantastic” leader who is “putting it on the line” for the country. As Tesla continues to face political and market pressures, the company’s future remains uncertain in the wake of ongoing controversy surrounding Musk’s role in government.
