Tesla’s self-driving vision faces growing skepticism, but President Donald Trump has shown unwavering support for both the company and its CEO, Elon Musk.
As Tesla battles market concerns and political controversies, Trump’s endorsement serves as a major boost for Musk’s ambitious robotaxi plans.
Following a steep 15% drop in Tesla’s stock—the company’s worst single-day loss since 2020—President Trump made headlines by announcing he would buy a Tesla as a show of confidence in the brand. This move, while largely symbolic given that former presidents are not allowed to drive, was a clear message of support for Musk, whose leadership at Tesla has been met with increasing political and financial scrutiny.
The timing of Trump’s endorsement was crucial. Tesla’s decline was driven in part by backlash against Musk’s outspoken political views and cost-cutting measures at the Department of Government Efficiency. The electric vehicle giant’s long-term success hinges on the adoption of its self-driving technology, yet many of the consumers needed to make this vision a reality have turned against Musk due to his alignment with conservative politics.
Once the darling of environmentally conscious liberals, Tesla has undergone a shift in perception. Musk’s closeness with Trump has transformed the brand into what some critics call a “MAGA hat on wheels.” Some Tesla owners have reported acts of vandalism, including anti-Tesla graffiti and protests against the company. The political divide surrounding Musk is creating a challenge for Tesla’s expansion, particularly in Democratic-leaning cities where the robotaxi program is expected to launch.
Yet, Trump’s involvement could turn this into an opportunity. By openly endorsing Tesla, he is helping the company appeal to a different segment of the market—one that is often skeptical of electric vehicles but remains loyal to the former president’s vision of American innovation and economic growth.
Musk has long promised that Tesla’s future lies in autonomy, but skepticism remains. Unlike competitors such as Waymo, Tesla has yet to demonstrate unsupervised self-driving capabilities on public roads. Despite these hurdles, Tesla’s stock rebounded 3.8% following Trump’s endorsement, a sign that his support still carries significant weight in the market.
Musk’s vision requires strong consumer trust, and while his reputation has taken a hit in some circles, Trump’s backing could serve as a counterbalance. His ability to rally his base behind brands and industries he supports has been evident in past economic trends. If Tesla can reposition itself as a patriotic investment in America’s technological future, it could still thrive despite the current political challenges.
While critics have questioned the ethics of Trump openly promoting Tesla at a White House event, the reality is that his support highlights the importance of American technological leadership. His administration has consistently championed deregulation and private-sector innovation, policies that could benefit Tesla’s long-term strategy.
The collaboration between Trump and Musk may not sit well with everyone, but it represents a bold approach to advancing the future of transportation. If Musk can navigate the political landscape and deliver on his robotaxi promises, Tesla could emerge stronger than ever—with Trump playing a key role in that success.
With input from CNN, Bloomberg, the New York Times, and Business Insider.
