Elon Musk has made significant strides in gaining White House attention and promotion since former President Joe Biden snubbed him at an event in 2021. The situation now seems to have turned against Democrats, with sales of Tesla cars plummeting as some buyers return them.
Musk’s shift from a fringe figure to a prominent ally of former President Donald Trump has led to concerns over the impact on his customer base and the company’s image. Before the election, Democrats were four times more likely than Republicans to buy an electric vehicle, but now Tesla sales are slumping, with some Democrats turning theirs back in.
The change is attributed to Musk’s decision to donate $300 million to Trump’s campaign and signal a willingness to put another $100 million into groups controlled by Trump. This alliance has led to the loss of several high-profile customers, including former Senator Kamala Harris and her husband, Douglas Emhoff.
Musk’s influence on Trump’s administration is evident in his recent visit to the White House, where he showcased Tesla models and highlighted their benefits. The event was seen as a turning point in the feud between Musk and Biden, with some Democrats stating that they have come to regret their stance against him.
The situation has sparked concerns over Musk’s potential influence on Trump’s policies, including his suggested scrutiny of Social Security and entitlement spending. As a result, many are watching closely to see how this relationship will play out in the coming months.
Musk has also used his social media platform X to promote conspiracy theories about protests against Tesla dealerships being part of a Democrat-funded effort to undermine him. This move has led to an increase in Tesla’s stock price, with shares rising seven percent after Musk’s White House appearance.
The significance of Musk’s attire during this period is also worth noting. On Wednesday, he donned a suit and tie for the first time in weeks, sparking speculation about his intentions. The sudden change from his signature “Tech Support” T-shirt has raised eyebrows, with some interpreting it as a sign of a power clampdown.
The implications of Musk’s rise to prominence are multifaceted, with many questioning whether this is a case of a self-made entrepreneur using their influence to shape policy or if it marks the beginning of a more significant ideological shift.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/12/us/politics/trump-tesla-elon-musk-white-house.html