Donald Trump recently acquired a Tesla, but despite his influence, he won’t be driving it himself.
This isn’t due to inability; Trump can certainly operate a vehicle. However, he’s prohibited from driving this particular car.
Trump’s purchase coincided with the arrival of several Tesla models at the White House, part of his collaboration with Elon Musk. This comes at a time when Tesla is experiencing significant challenges in the stock market.
The company’s value has plummeted by half in just three months, with its share price reaching a new low. In response, Trump used his platform, Truth Social, to accuse ‘the Radical Left Lunatics’ of attempting an ‘illegal and collusive boycott’ against Tesla.
In his post, Trump referred to Tesla as Musk’s ‘baby’ and expressed his intention to purchase one of the cars to support Musk amidst the supposed ‘boycott’.
He stated: “In any event, I’m going to buy a brand new Tesla tomorrow morning as a show of confidence and support for Elon Musk, a truly great American. Why should he be punished for putting his tremendous skills to work in order to help MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN???”
Trump chose a shiny red Model S and sat inside to explore its features.
Despite praising the car as ‘beautiful’, Trump faces a rule that bars him from driving it: US presidents are not permitted to drive their own vehicles.
He acknowledged this rule, saying to reporters: “I’m gonna buy one, now here’s the bad news. I’m not allowed to drive. I haven’t driven a car in a long time. And I love to drive cars […]
“I’m not allowed to use it. Can you believe it?”
This restriction is enforced by the US Secret Service, which prohibits presidents from driving on public roads for their safety.
Even post-presidency, the Former Presidents Act provides them with protection, including a driver, so they are not exposed to potential risks behind the wheel.
The last president to drive on public roads was Lyndon B. Johnson, who served from 1963 to 1969. Today, presidents travel with Secret Service agents skilled in ‘evasive and defensive driving maneuvers’, according to CNBC.
Presidents can still drive on private property, and Trump has been seen driving golf carts.
Since he can’t drive his new Tesla, Trump plans to keep it at the White House for his staff’s use.
“I’m gonna let people at the place use it,” he mentioned to reporters, adding: “They all are all excited about that.”