Trump buys red Tesla car from Elon Musk, vows to label those vandalizing brand as 'domestic terrorists'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump made a bold public display of support for Elon Musk on Tuesday, March 11, as he sat behind the wheel of a red Tesla Model S in the White House driveway and pledged to buy one at full price starting around $80,000 though the model he sat in seemed to exceed $100,000 in value. 

Calling Musk an "incredible patriot," Trump dismissed criticism against the billionaire and condemned recent attacks on Tesla facilities, the Independent reported.

Just a short distance from the White House, several Tesla vehicles were showcased, including a red Model Y priced at $59,990, a silver Model X listed at $112,490, a gray Cybertruck valued at $144,000, and a blue Model S costing $108,990, as noted on a price sheet held by the president.

Donald Trump pledges to label Tesla vandals ‘domestic terrorists’ as he buys vehicle

Trump vowed to take strong action against individuals vandalizing Tesla vehicles, stating they would be classified as "domestic terrorists." Speaking outside the White House alongside Elon Musk, Trump called Tesla “a great American company” and warned that those targeting it would “go through hell.”

"I'm going to stop them because they're harming a great American company. I've stuck up for a lot of American companies," Trump said, referring to protesters who have vandalized Tesla dealerships and charging stations.

He went on to say, “I do favors for all when you heard an American company, especially a company like this, applies so many jobs that others are unable to do, when you do that, those people are going to go through a big problem when we catch them.”

“We’re going to catch them, they’re bad guys,” the president said, before adding, "We’re going to catch you, and you’re going to go through hell.” 

During the event, Trump praised Musk as his “first buddy” and criticized the backlash against him. “He’s been treated very unfairly by a very small group of people,” Trump said. “I just want people to know that he can't be penalized for being a patriot.”

"Markets are going to go up, and they're going to go down, but you know what, we have to rebuild our country," he stated.

Trump also expressed his intention to purchase a Tesla, though he acknowledged that he wouldn’t be behind the wheel himself as presidents are prohibited from driving.

The 78-year-old president did not take the Tesla for a spin but revealed he had already purchased a CyberTruck for his granddaughter Kai, calling it "the coolest design."

As a gesture of support, Trump also announced he would buy a Tesla, saying, “I haven’t driven a car in a long time. And I love to drive cars, but I’m gonna have it at the White House, and I’m gonna let my staff use it, I’m gonna let people at the place use it, and they’re all excited about it.”

Musk, in return, announced that Tesla would double its US production in the next two years as a show of confidence in Trump’s policies.

Before wrapping up, Trump couldn’t resist taking a shot at his political rival. Climbing into a red Model S, he quipped, “You think Biden could get into that car? I don’t think so.”

Donald Trump purchasing red Tesla sparks heated debate

President Donald Trump made headlines after purchasing a red Tesla at the White House, a move that quickly ignited debates online. 

One X user sarcastically commented, "Trump is currently ‘filming’ a Tesla commercial at the White House while he buys his new red car. What a joke."

Others speculated on Musk’s motives, with another user writing, "To be fair, Elon just gave Trump $10M to settle the Twitter lawsuit."

Not everyone was critical, though. Some users found entertainment in the spectacle, with one person remarking, "TRUTH?!! That's hilarious. Putting the name of his social media platform, in direct competition w/Elon's X, on the tag. He even trolls his friends. Too funny."

Another joked, "Musk did all that to win a bet that he could sell Trump an electric car."

One individual observed, "Lol MAGA going from big boy diesel trucks to electric S PLAIDS crazy how things shift…. Jkjk don’t come from me."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.