A new role for the South Lawn of Trump’s White House: Tesla car lot

In a recent event that raised eyebrows regarding ethical standards at the White House, President Donald Trump was seen promoting Tesla vehicles, directly supporting the business interests of Elon Musk, a noted ally. This spectacle unfolded on the South Lawn, which was temporarily transformed into a display area for Tesla cars.
During this event, Trump took a moment to explore a cherry-red Tesla Model S, expressing his admiration by exclaiming, “it’s beautiful!” He was joined by Elon Musk, who took the passenger seat, effectively turning the occasion into a high-profile sales pitch.
The President openly admitted his intention to boost Tesla’s sales, linking it to Musk’s patriotism, stating, “When somebody is a great patriot, they shouldn’t be hurt. He’s a great patriot.” This comment came despite the potential conflict of interest and the use of a historically significant public space for commercial promotion.
Trump’s endorsement didn’t stop at the vehicles; he also praised Musk personally, calling him a “great patriot” and encouraged the public to cherish him. The event also served as a distraction from current economic issues, such as rising egg prices and falling stock values.
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However, Trump did not address the ongoing scrutiny from government regulators concerning Tesla’s driver-assistance programs, nor did he revisit his previous criticisms of electric vehicles’ cost and efficiency.
Richard Painter, a former chief ethics lawyer in the George W. Bush administration, criticized the blatant use of presidential influence to promote private interests, indicating a significant departure from traditional ethical norms observed at the White House.
Musk took the opportunity to announce plans to expand Tesla’s production in the U.S., emphasizing that the vehicles are American-made and touting the advanced features of the Tesla factory in Texas. He also showcased the Tesla Cybertruck, describing it as bulletproof and highlighting its futuristic design inspired by the movie Blade Runner.
The event concluded with Trump expressing his preference for one of the Tesla models, stating he would pay full price for it, although he hinted that Musk might offer him a discount.
Despite the controversial nature of the event, it appeared to have a positive impact on Tesla’s stock, which saw a nearly 4 percent increase by the end of the day.
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