Elon Musk has pledged to double production of Tesla electric vehicle models in the United States in a huge boost for President Donald Trump.
At an event at the White House yesterday, US President Donald Trump met with Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk after he promised to buy a new Tesla model.
The 47th President said this was being done to thank Musk for his efforts with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and his close allyship with the Republican Party.
Standing in front of the White House with reporters, Donald Trump took delivery of a red Tesla Model S, adding that he had purchased a Cybertruck for his granddaughter.
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Elon Musk presented President Donald Trump with a new Tesla at the White House
REUTERS
Despite buying the new Tesla Model S, Trump is not allowed to drive it, noting that he hasn’t driven in a long time. However, he confirmed that he would keep the vehicle at the White House for his staff.
Speaking on the White House lawn alongside several Tesla models, Elon Musk added that he was making huge changes to production schedules in the United States.
He said: “As a function of the great policies of President Trump and his administration, and as an act of faith in America, Tesla is going to double vehicle output in the United States within the next two years.”
He was met with a firm pat on the back from President Trump, who thanked him and called the announcement “a big deal”.
Elon Musk confirmed that Tesla would double production in the United States over the next two years
REUTERS
Musk also revealed details about the upcoming self-driving Tesla Cybercab which will begin production in Texas in 2026, in a further boost to Trump’s American ambitions.
The autonomous vehicle will not have a steering wheel and will come without pedals, with Musk adding that Tesla had “so much confidence” in the self-driving capabilities. Trump joked that he would “pass on that”.
Following Musk’s announcement, shares in Tesla closed almost four per cent higher. This will be welcomed by Tesla and its investors after a devastating drop in value over the last three months.
Since December 17, the brand’s market capitalisation has more than halved since hitting an all-time high of $1.5trillion (£1.15trillion).
President Donald Trump with notes during his Tesla showcase on the White House lawn with Elon Musk
REUTERS
President Trump announced that he would take steps to label violence against Tesla dealerships as “domestic terrorism” and that any perpetrators will “go through hell”.
Protests against Musk and Tesla dealerships around the world have grown substantially in recent weeks, with activists in the United States launching the “Tesla Takedown” last weekend.
While the majority of the protests have been targeted at Musk’s involvement with DOGE in cancelling Government projects deemed to be “waste”, Tesla dealerships have been targeted.
A popular Tesla showroom in New York City was targeted as police arrested several protesters, while activists stormed a dealership in Portugal because of Musk’s involvement in right-wing politics across Europe.
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A spate of protests have taken place outside Tesla dealerships and showrooms across the world
REUTERS
In response to the attacks, Trump said: “They’re harming a great American company. Let me tell you, you do it to Tesla, and you do it to any company, we’re going to catch you, and … you’re going to go through hell.”
Similarly, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said, “Ongoing and heinous acts of violence against Tesla by radical Leftist activists are nothing short of domestic terror.”