In the latest twist in the high-profile fallout between U.S. President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, reports suggest that Trump may soon sell or give away the iconic red Tesla he purchased earlier this year.
According to Fox News, the electric vehicle — a red Model X — remains parked at the White House, but its future is now uncertain following the souring of relations between the two influential figures.
Trump had acquired the Tesla in March for $80,000 at full price during a widely publicized event aimed at promoting Musk’s struggling electric vehicle brand. At the time, Musk was heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and the two appeared aligned on various economic and innovation initiatives.
“I told Elon I don’t want a discount,” Trump had said during the photo-op. “If I take a discount, they’ll say I got favors. I paid full price.”
During the promotional event, Trump called the Model X “beautiful” and even explored a Cybertruck with Musk, who touted its bulletproof design. The car purchase was seen as a strong public endorsement at a time when Tesla’s stock was under pressure and Musk was facing mounting political heat.
But the political honeymoon was short-lived. Tensions escalated after Trump proposed a sweeping tax reform bill, dubbed the “big beautiful bill,” which Musk strongly opposed.
Their rift reached a boiling point recently, with Musk stating Trump wouldn’t have won the presidency without his backing, and Trump expressing “deep disappointment” in Musk’s recent actions.
In a volatile week for Tesla, the company’s shares plunged 14% on Thursday — wiping out $150 billion in market value — before rebounding by 4.5% in Friday’s early trading session.
Now, as the feud intensifies, it appears the Tesla once symbolizing unity may become a casualty of political fallout.
