Photographer captures Trump’s notes showing what appears to be a Tesla sales pitch
President Donald Trump purchases a Tesla to support Elon Musk, praising the company's quality. A photo from a White House event reveals handwritten notes with Tesla prices and financing options.
President Donald Trump has officially purchased a Tesla, showing his public support for Elon Musk and his electric vehicle company. The purchase, made after a White House event on Tuesday, was followed by Trump praising both Tesla’s quality and Musk’s dedication to the company. A photographer later captured an image of a handwritten note containing prices for various Tesla models, adding to the intrigue around the purchase.
Photographer captures handwritten note with Tesla prices
A photographer at the event captured a handwritten note attached to Trump’s speech, which included a breakdown of Tesla vehicle prices. The note read, “Teslas can be purchased as low as $299/month or $35K,” suggesting affordable financing options for those looking to buy the electric vehicles. This note further emphasized Trump’s commitment to his Tesla purchase and sparked more curiosity about his backing of the company.
Trump’s Support for Tesla and Elon Musk
Trump’s decision to buy a Tesla comes as a clear show of support for Musk, who has faced increasing criticism and protests from various groups. Trump took to Truth Social to announce that he had made the purchase as a way to back Musk, saying that he wanted to demonstrate his confidence in the electric vehicle company. During the White House event on Tuesday, Trump approached a red Model S, calling it “beautiful” and confirming that he had already written a check for the car. The Model S, a premium electric vehicle, retails for around $80,000.
In addition to his personal purchase, Trump also revealed that he would gift his 17-year-old granddaughter, Kai, a Tesla Cybertruck, which starts at nearly $80,000.
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Tesla faces growing protests amid Trump’s endorsement
Trump’s public support for Tesla comes at a time when the company is facing protests in the U.S. and Europe. Demonstrators have criticized Musk’s political views and actions, and some have even resorted to vandalizing Tesla showrooms. Despite this, Trump has continued to defend Musk, especially as Musk has a significant role in the White House’s new DOGE office, further solidifying their connection.
Tesla has faced financial setbacks in recent months, with the company’s stock plunging by 55% since mid-December. However, Trump remains steadfast in his support for Musk, using the purchase as a way to advocate for the company. At the White House event, Trump praised Musk’s commitment, stating, “This man has devoted his energy and his life to doing this, and I think he’s been treated very unfairly by a very small group of people.”
Trump declared the vehicles “beautiful” and in particular praised the company’s unusually designed Cybertruck. Photo: NPR
Trump also joked that while he would not be driving the Tesla himself—due to not having driven a car in a long time—White House staff would have access to the vehicle.
Trump’s mixed history with electric cars
While Trump’s recent actions show strong support for Tesla, his history with electric vehicles has been mixed. Earlier this year, while speaking in Chicago at the National Association of Black Journalists, Trump expressed his opposition to widespread electric vehicle adoption, even criticizing them despite Musk’s endorsement. However, his decision to buy a Tesla marks a shift in his stance, aligning himself more closely with Musk and Tesla’s vision for the future of transportation.