Don’t you just love it when the world’s most powerful man does an infomercial for the world’s richest man despite hating EVs?
Photo-Op Infomercial for Tesla
The Wall Street Journal reports Trump, Hater of EVs, Says He’s Buying a Tesla
Joe Biden held himself out as the most climate-friendly president ever to hold office, but relished his gas-guzzling Corvette Stingray. President Trump wants to drill-baby-drill and, on Tuesday, was in the market for an electric vehicle.
Trump didn’t just want any electric vehicle. He was on a mission to purchase a Tesla—a sop to his adviser Elon Musk, who happens to be the car company’s chief executive. Trump campaigned extensively against Biden’s electric vehicle mandates and in February moved to pause the construction of charging-station infrastructure.
The scene Tuesday was notable in other ways: It showed the most powerful man in the world lending support to the richest man in the world. Other presidents have used cars as props—though not to prop up the fortunes of their staff.
On Tuesday at the White House, a silver Cybertruck glistened in the sun for the president to inspect. But Trump folded his 6-foot-3-inch frame into a red Tesla sedan with Musk standing nearby. “Watch the Secret Service go crazy,” Trump said.
“If you actually drove it around, it would really be wild,” Musk observed, and then entered the vehicle on the passenger side.
“Wow. That’s beautiful,” Trump gushed as he appraised a computer panel near the steering wheel. He didn’t drive the car, but he said it was the one he would buy.
Musk admitted this week that his D.C. job is causing strain elsewhere. Asked by Fox Business host Larry Kudlow about how he is managing to run his businesses while slashing the federal government, he deadpanned: “With great difficulty.”
Trump, pressed Tuesday by a reporter about when Musk would depart government service, said the topic had been on his mind. “I think he’ll know when it’s time,” he said.
Musk offered a diplomatic response: “I’ll stay as long as it’s useful and I’m productive.”
Trump, who frequently brags about his prowess as a negotiator, said he wasn’t looking for a deal on a Tesla. “I’m president,” he said, “so I want to pay full price.”
Where Will Trump Drive the Tesla?
Perhaps nowhere because the Secret Service won’t allow that except in controlled situations, and never on public roads.
Maybe he tools around the rose garden or something. But his staff will get to drive it.
Tesla and Elon Musk Had a Very Bad Day, More Bad Days Coming
Yesterday, I noted Tesla and Elon Musk Had a Very Bad Day, More Bad Days Coming
Are you cheering? Many are?
Trump Collects $50 Million in Donations from Crypto Executives
Also note Trump Collects $50 Million in Donations from Crypto Executives
What Trump once described as a scam is now a glorious opportunity.
Questions of the Day
Will this infomercial help, hurt, or do nothing for Tesla sales?
Will Trump change his mind on halting EV tax credits?