In a move that combines politics, technology, and a touch of irony, President Donald Trump recently purchased a Tesla Model S to show his support for Elon Musk. However, there’s one major catch: Trump is banned from driving his shiny new electric car.
The Reason Trump Bought a Tesla
Trump’s purchase of a Tesla comes at a tumultuous time for the electric carmaker. Tesla’s stock has plummeted by nearly 50% in the last three months, hitting a new low this week. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump accused “the Radical Left Lunatics” of trying to “illegally and collusively boycott Tesla.”
“In any event, 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. Why should he be punished for putting his tremendous skills to work in order to help MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN???”
-Trump wrote
Trump opted for a sleek red Tesla Model S, complete with all the bells and whistles. Photos of him sitting inside the car, inspecting its features, quickly made it to social media. However he won’t be able to experience its performance firsthand.
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Trump’s Tesla: A Car He Can’t Drive
The answer lies in a rule enforced by the U.S. Secret Service. For security reasons, sitting and former presidents are not allowed to drive on public roads. This rule is designed to protect them from potential threats, ensuring they are always accompanied by trained professionals.
Trump acknowledged this restriction during a press briefing, saying,
“I’m gonna buy one, now here’s the bad news. I’m not allowed to drive. I haven’t driven a car in a long time. And I love to drive cars […] I’m not allowed to use it. Can you believe it?”
The last U.S. president to drive on public roads was Lyndon B. Johnson, who served from 1963 to 1969. Since then, presidents have relied on Secret Service agents trained in “evasive and defensive driving maneuvers” to chauffeur them around.
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Trump’s Workaround: How He’s Putting His Tesla to Use
There are a few exceptions to the driving ban. Presidents are allowed to drive on private property, and Trump has been seen behind the wheel of golf carts on his courses. However, these exceptions don’t extend to public highways or streets.
Since he can’t drive the car himself, Trump has decided to put his Tesla to good use. He plans to keep the vehicle at the White House and allow his staff to use it.
“I’m gonna let people at the place use it,” he told reporters. “They all are all excited about that.”
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The Bigger Picture: Trump, Musk, and Tesla’s Struggles
Trump’s purchase comes at a critical time for Tesla. The company has faced significant challenges in recent months, including supply chain issues, increased competition, and a declining stock price. Musk himself has been embroiled in controversies, from his acquisition of Twitter to his outspoken political views.
By buying a Tesla, Trump is sending a clear message of solidarity with Musk, whom he has repeatedly praised as a “truly great American.”
This purchase is a blend of politics, technology, and personal branding. While he may not be able to drive his new car, the gesture underscores his support for Elon Musk and Tesla during a challenging period for the company. And who knows? Maybe one day, Trump will get the chance to take his Tesla for a spin—on private property, of course.
