Trump purchased his shiny new Tesla Model S to show support for Musk, but he can’t take it out for a spin
Donald Trump became the proud new owner of a Tesla this week, but while he might be one of the most powerful men in the world, he doesn’t have the power to drive it.
Trump’s new Tesla purchase has raised some eyebrows, but let’s clear up any confusion—he’s not being literal when he says he can’t drive the car. As far as we know, the POTUS is fully capable of driving, but when it comes to this particular vehicle, he’s simply not allowed.
The display of Tesla models at the White House comes amid Trump’s ongoing collaboration with Elon Musk, at a time when the electric car giant is facing challenges on the stock market. Tesla has seen its value plummet by half in just three months, and as its share price hit a new low this week, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to accuse “Radical Left Lunatics” of trying to “illegally and collusively boycott Tesla.” But why exactly has Trump decided to buy a Tesla?
In his post, Trump described Tesla as Musk’s “baby” and shared his plans to buy the car as a sign of support for the Tesla CEO during the supposed boycott. He wrote: “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 opted for a shiny red Model S and even took a seat inside to check out its sleek interior features.
However, despite his admiration for the car, there’s one major restriction that will stop Trump from driving it: US presidents aren’t allowed to drive their own cars. Trump himself acknowledged this when speaking to reporters, saying: “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?”
So while Trump’s Tesla may look stunning, it’s not likely to be taking a spin around the streets of Washington anytime soon.
Why aren’t presidents allowed to drive?
The reason U.S. presidents aren’t allowed to drive on public roads is due to a safety rule enforced by the U.S. Secret Service. The agency’s primary concern is ensuring the president’s safety, and driving a car—especially in public—poses significant risks. Even after they leave office, the Former Presidents Act mandates that former presidents continue to receive protection, which includes a designated driver. This eliminates the need for them to be behind the wheel and puts additional security measures in place. The last sitting U.S. president to drive on public roads was Lyndon B. Johnson, who served from 1963 to 1969. Today, presidents are always accompanied by Secret Service agents skilled in evasive and defensive driving techniques, as reported by CNBC.
Are there any exceptions to the driving rule?
While presidents aren’t permitted to drive on public roads, they are allowed to drive on private property, such as private estates or golf courses. In fact, presidents, including Trump, have been seen behind the wheel of golf carts.
So, what will Trump do with his Tesla?
Since Trump can’t drive his new Tesla himself, he’s decided to keep it at the White House and allow his staff to use it. “I’m gonna let people at the place use it,” he told reporters. “They all are all excited about that.” So while Trump’s Tesla won’t be hitting the streets anytime soon, it will certainly be getting some attention within the walls of the White House!
