A Tesla car is pictured after being smashed-up at an anti Elon Musk protest, in south London on April 10, 2025. — AFP
Donald Trump is not reliant on the billionaire who spent the most to elect him in November and has a high-profile presence at the White House, the president said Thursday.
Trump’s comments on Tesla CEO Elon Musk came as he spoke to reporters while gathering with members of his cabinet.
“Elon’s done a fantastic job,” the president said. “And I don’t care. I don’t need him for anything other than I happen to like him. This guy, this guy did a fantastic job.”
While Musk was given sweeping access to government operations and data through his goal of gutting waste, fraud and abuse under the Department of Government Efficiency, the Tesla billionaire has kept a lower profile in the wake of last week’s Wisconsin Supreme Court race lost by Republicans.
Trump has been accused of using his presidency to benefit Musk, including turning the White House into a Tesla showroom during a press event last month. The president said he would be buying a Tesla during the event.
On Thursday, Trump said he didn’t get a special deal on the Tesla.
“I don’t need his car. I actually bought one because they said, ‘oh, did you get a bargain?’ I said, ‘no, give me the top price.’ I paid a lot of money for that car,” Trump said.
“But, honestly, he makes a great car ... But I did that just as a sign of support.”
The president claimed Musk “hasn’t been treated properly,” alluding to protests aimed at the billionaire and violent attacks at Tesla dealerships. – al.com/Tribune News Service
