President Donald Trump was seen reading from a prepared note at the White House on Tuesday, touting Tesla’s pricing and self-driving technology. The moment came as he reaffirmed his support for Elon Musk, whom he tapped last year to head the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
A Strange Sales Pitch in the White House
It wasn’t a typical policy briefing. Standing on the South Lawn, Trump held up a piece of paper listing Tesla’s features, including “Full Self Driving” and monthly payment options. The note detailed that a Tesla could be purchased for as low as “$299/month” or “$35k,” raising eyebrows about why the president was publicly promoting a private company.
This moment comes amid Tesla’s $16 billion stock market hit earlier in the week. Musk, known for his eccentric responses, brushed off the losses, quoting Monty Python: “Always look on the bright side of life!”
Trump’s unprompted Tesla pitch also highlighted the growing relationship between the White House and Musk, who has increasingly become a key figure in Trump’s economic vision.
Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency
Last year, Trump appointed Musk to oversee the Department of Government Efficiency, a move that surprised many given Musk’s history of criticizing government bureaucracy. The department, informally referred to as “DOGE”—a nod to Musk’s fascination with Dogecoin—was created to streamline federal spending and cut unnecessary regulations.
While Musk has remained vague about his role, his companies have benefited significantly from Trump’s policies. Tesla has secured major government contracts, and SpaceX continues to dominate the U.S. space industry.
Critics argue that Musk’s proximity to the White House creates conflicts of interest. Supporters, however, see his involvement as a much-needed shake-up of inefficient government systems.
Stock Market Faces Turmoil Amid Tariff Uncertainty
Trump’s Tesla remarks came at a time of economic uncertainty, with markets reeling from his latest tariff threats. The president acknowledged the volatility, telling Fox News, “We’re going through a transition because what we’re doing is very big.”
- Trump imposed steep tariffs on Mexico and Canada last week, sending markets into a tailspin.
- After facing backlash, he walked back some of the measures, granting temporary reprieves for certain industries.
- Automakers, including Tesla, received a carve-out from new tariffs, at least until April 2.
Investors remain jittery, unsure of how long these exemptions will last. Many fear that once the tariffs fully take effect, they could further destabilize markets.
White House Tries to Reassure Investors
The White House issued a statement on Monday defending Trump’s economic policies, arguing that they have led to “trillions in investment commitments” and “historic job, wage, and investment growth.” Officials downplayed concerns over market volatility, portraying it as a temporary side effect of Trump’s broader economic plan.
Musk, for his part, appears unfazed. While Tesla stock took a hit, he remains focused on expanding the company’s reach. He has publicly supported Trump’s deregulatory approach, even as some of his own workers have protested labor conditions.
What’s Next?
The uncertainty surrounding Trump’s tariffs is unlikely to subside anytime soon. With the April 2 deadline approaching, companies are bracing for potential new costs, while investors hope for further exemptions.
Meanwhile, Trump’s apparent endorsement of Tesla raises more questions than answers. Was he simply reading talking points handed to him? Or was this an intentional signal of his continued support for Musk? Either way, the markets—and the political world—will be watching closely.
