President Donald Trump has bought a Tesla and turned the White House lawn into a showroom as part of an effort to boost sales for Elon Musk. However, this move is unlikely to help the brand in its biggest market, liberal California. The state’s public distaste for Tesla CEO Musk has grown significantly, with protesters disrupting showrooms across the US.
Tesla shares have plummeted by 50% since mid-December, wiping out $800 billion in value. This decline could lead to shareholder lawsuits and further hurt the brand in California, where it once dominated the electric vehicle market. The company’s sales in the state fell by 11.6% last year compared to 2023.
While some conservative supporters praised Trump’s move, others warned of potential consequences for Tesla’s business in liberal California. The situation has created uncertainty about the future of federal programs related to electric vehicles, potentially affecting Tesla’s interests.
The latest developments come as a new wave of protests and closures along the L.A. County coastline take place, leaving residents wondering about their safety. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Trump’s actions have sparked controversy that could have far-reaching consequences for the automotive industry.
Source: https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/trump-tesla-biggest-market-california