Trump Stands By Musk As Tesla Faces Attacks And Boycotts
Tesla’s stock showed signs of recovery Tuesday after President Donald Trump publicly defended CEO Elon Musk amid growing backlash against his political involvement. Musk, who has played a key role in the administration’s efforts to reduce government waste, has faced escalating protests, vandalism and even a cyberattack on his social media platform X.
The electric carmaker’s stock had fallen sharply Monday as investors reacted to weaker sales figures and questions about Musk’s ability to manage multiple high-profile companies. However, after Trump praised Musk’s contributions to the country and criticized left-wing activists for targeting Tesla, shares climbed nearly 5% by early afternoon Tuesday.
🚨 REPORTERS: Which Tesla did you buy?
TRUMP: This one. And I want that same color. [Red Model S Plaid]
REPORTERS: How are you paying?
TRUMP: I'll give him a check. I do it the old fashioned way […] And I don't want a discount.
REPORTER: What about a vanity plate?
TRUMP:… pic.twitter.com/XNOnQXd2K0
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 11, 2025
Trump took to Truth Social to denounce what he called a politically motivated effort to undermine Tesla. “Elon is putting it on the line in order to help our Nation, and he is doing a FANTASTIC JOB! But the Radical Left Lunatics, as they often do, are trying to illegally and collusively boycott Tesla,” he wrote. The president added that he would buy a Tesla himself in a show of confidence.
Tesla's protests appeared to backfire as President Trump's public purchase of Tesla vehicles gained Republican support and boosted morale at the company, prompting Elon Musk to announce plans to double vehicle production and proving that the protests had not slowed Tesla down pic.twitter.com/4zKBBc2wXE
— God's Girl🙏 (@pag_roosevelt) March 12, 2025
Musk has drawn sharp criticism from the left for leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is focused on cutting waste and fraud. His involvement has fueled anger among activists, leading to violent attacks on Tesla properties. In Oregon, bullets were fired at a Tesla dealership, while another location in Salem was hit with a Molotov cocktail. Other facilities, including charging stations in Massachusetts, have been set on fire.
POV
When you’re 78 years old and become a model and brand ambassador for one of the world’s most renowned car manufacturers 🔥
(President Trump 🇺🇸 | Tesla Inc.) pic.twitter.com/UN8zmz6lmr
— Mambo Italiano (@mamboitaliano__) March 11, 2025
Beyond physical attacks, X suffered a major cyberattack Monday, which Musk confirmed was ongoing. He described it as a “massive” effort that required significant resources to defend against, suggesting that it may have been launched by a well-coordinated group or a state actor.
Musk has remained a strong ally of the Trump administration, supporting efforts to reduce wasteful spending. His involvement in DOGE has made him a target for the left, but Trump’s latest endorsement signals that the White House remains firmly in his corner.