President Donald Trump is facing a backlash on social media following a peculiar post on Truth Social that involved a misleading message about “boycotting” Tesla vehicles.
Elon Musk has emerged as one of Trump’s notable allies since the former president’s campaign against Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. The Washington Post reports that Musk has contributed at least $288 million to support Trump’s 2024 presidential bid.
In light of significant declines in Tesla’s stock price, Trump seemed eager to boost the company’s image with an unusual move.
In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump asserted that boycotting Tesla was illegal (which has been fact-checked as inaccurate), and expressed his intention to buy a new Tesla to demonstrate his support for Musk:
To Republicans, Conservatives, and all great Americans, Elon Musk is “putting it on the line” in order to help our Nation, and he is doing a FANTASTIC JOB! But the Radical Left Lunatics, as they often do, are trying to illegally and collusively boycott Tesla, one of the World’s…
— Trump Posts on 𝕏 (@trump_repost) March 11, 2025
Social media users had a field day mocking Trump for his controversial Tesla remarks:
“Illegal and collusive boycott. He’s an idiot,” commented one user.
Illegal and collusive boycott. He’s an idiot.
— D. Alexis (@dorianalex) March 11, 2025
“One minute, president, but you said you would ban electric cars and green energy and go back to fossil fuels. What’s going on? Has the plan changed?” queried another individual.
One minute, president, but you said you would ban electric cars and green energy and go back to fossil fuels. What’s going on? Has the plan changed?
— CoiNews (@james3456ss) March 11, 2025
“1 new Tesla. That should save the stock price,” quipped another.
1 new Tesla. That should save the stock price.
— CryptoMewn (@CryptoMewn) March 11, 2025
“Calling a BOYCOTT “illegal” is LITERALLY A THREAT AGAINST THE FIRST AMENDMENT!” remarked another user.
Calling a BOYCOTT “illegal” is LITERALLY A THREAT AGAINST THE FIRST AMENDMENT!
— MemberBlasts (they/them)🐀 (@MemberBlasts) March 11, 2025
“So it’s ok for Republicans to boycott companies for supporting LGBTQ, but it’s illegal to boycott Tesla when its CEO is actively destroying the country,” retorted another.
So it’s ok for Republicans to boycott companies for supporting LGBTQ, but it’s illegal to boycott Tesla when its CEO is actively destroying the country.
— That REDACTED Guy (@REDACTEDSpider) March 11, 2025
“Since when am I obligated to prop up Tesla?” questioned another user.
Since when am I obligated to prop up Tesla?
— Atsilv 🦅 (@ShadowN8V) March 11, 2025
Trump ultimately followed through on his pledge, and he and Musk ended up filming an infomercial in front of the White House, a moment eagerly captured by the media:
Donald Trump doing a Tesla infomercial for Elon Musk—his biggest political donor—in front of the White House is peak corruption. pic.twitter.com/EpQ43g9dEg
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) March 11, 2025
Trump just spoke to the media about buying a Tesla and said he hopes it boosts Tesla sales.
In response, Musk claimed Tesla will double U.S. production. This is unlikely given declining demand for his cars.
This is just two corrupt oligarchs scratching each other’s backs. pic.twitter.com/sXxqqx6bvD
— More Perfect Union (@MorePerfectUS) March 11, 2025
In the last few weeks, Tesla shares have reached a downturn, as reported by Lora Kolodny of CNBC; they have been declining for seven consecutive weeks, a trend that coincided with Musk’s visit to the White House alongside Trump. Many experts argue that Tesla’s falling stock price may be closely linked to Musk’s relationship with the highly polarizing president.
Trump’s Approval Rating Is on the Decline
Despite earlier electoral victories, including defeating Kamala Harris in popular votes, recent polls indicate Trump’s prolonged tenure has not resonated well with voters.
A fresh Emerson College Polling survey reveals that Trump’s approval rating has now dipped to 47 percent, contrasted by a disapproval rating of 45 percent, indicating a shift in public sentiment toward his administration.
Additionally, related reading: Philadelphia Eagles Make Final Decision On Donald Trump’s Invitation To The White House To Celebrate Super Bowl 59 Victory
