In a surprising turn of events, President Trump was seen stepping into a Tesla on the South Lawn of the White House on Tuesday afternoon, departing from the traditional high-security presidential limousine commonly known as “The Beast.” Instead of a motorcade of black SUVs, he was surrounded by five electric Teslas, reflecting his support for Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, a close adviser to the president.
During his visit, Trump showed enthusiasm for the vehicles, declaring, “That’s beautiful,” as he sat in the front seat of a red Model S. His public endorsement of a private enterprise raises questions regarding ethical implications, yet the White House has yet to comment on adherence to ethics guidelines.
This move showcases Musk’s influence within governmental circles, particularly as he chairs a government efficiency initiative while leading several high-profile companies including Tesla and SpaceX. Interestingly, Musk’s businesses benefit from substantial federal contracts amidst ongoing budget cuts in other areas.
Richard Painter, a former chief ethics lawyer, expressed concerns about the appearance of impropriety, citing the potential violation of federal regulations against using public office for personal gain. He noted, “It looks like government picking winners and losers, and the government saying, ‘Tesla is the winner.'”
Trump also indicated that he plans to purchase the Tesla using a personal check, suggesting it would be available for staff use at the White House. Notably, sales of Tesla vehicles have faced a sharp decline recently, fueled by protests and attacks on their cars and charging stations, impacting not just the U.S. market but also sales in Europe, China, and Australia.
When asked if his purchase would aid Tesla’s sales, Trump optimistically responded, “I hope it does.”
