Trump Denounces Tesla Boycott as ‘Illegal,’ Vows to Buy One in Support of Elon Musk

 

Growing opposition to Musk has become increasingly visible, with reports of vandalized Tesla vehicles, protests at dealerships

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday his intention to purchase a Tesla, expressing support for Elon Musk amid mounting challenges for the electric vehicle company. Tesla has faced declining sales and stock performance, which some attribute to Musk’s increasing involvement in global politics—most notably through his leadership of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency.

“I’m going to buy a brand new Tesla tomorrow morning as a show of confidence and support for Elon Musk, a truly great American,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post early Tuesday.

Trump condemned what he called an “illegal” and “collusive” boycott of Tesla, accusing “radical left lunatics” of orchestrating an attack on Musk and his ideals. The president described Tesla as one of the world’s top automakers.

However, consumer-led boycotts are not illegal. A 1982 ruling by the Supreme Court reaffirmed that the First Amendment protects Americans’ right to protest against private businesses.

Musk’s Political Role and Tesla’s Challenges

Musk’s outspoken support for Trump in last year’s presidential election, followed by his leadership in the administration’s government efficiency efforts, has drawn criticism. Some analysts believe this shift in Musk’s public image has negatively impacted Tesla’s stock. On Monday, the company recorded its worst trading day since 2020, with shares falling 45% in 2025.

In a Monday interview, Musk admitted that his political role has complicated the management of his businesses. Speaking to Fox Business, he described running them “with great difficulty” while serving in the administration. “You’re giving up your other stuff,” he said regarding his duties as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Growing opposition to Musk has become increasingly visible, with reports of vandalized Tesla vehicles, protests at dealerships, and a significant drop in European sales. Critics argue that Musk’s high-profile political presence is damaging Tesla’s brand reputation.

“When people’s cars are in jeopardy of being keyed or set on fire out there, even people who support Musk or are indifferent to Musk might think twice about buying a Tesla,” Baird analyst Ben Kallo said Monday on CNBC’s Squawk on the Street.

Trump Backs Musk Amid Criticism

Trump continued to praise Musk in his Truth Social post, stating that the billionaire is doing a “fantastic job” and “putting it on the line” for the country. His comments followed a recent New York Times report highlighting criticism from Cabinet members regarding Musk’s government efficiency initiatives.

Following Trump’s remarks, Tesla’s stock saw a modest rebound, climbing more than 1% in early Tuesday trading after a three-day losing streak. In addition to Trump’s endorsement, a Morgan Stanley advisory note encouraging investors to buy shares after the sharp decline may have contributed to the stock’s slight recovery.