Trump Plans to Part Ways with His Red Tesla, According to Official

Former President Reportedly Moving On From Electric Vehicle Amid Broader Criticism of EV Industry

Former President Donald Trump is set to part ways with his red Tesla, according to an official familiar with the matter. The move comes as Trump has repeatedly criticized electric vehicles (EVs) and their manufacturers, despite briefly owning one of the most recognizable EVs on the market.

President Donald Trump is planning to get rid of the Tesla

President Donald Trump is planning to get rid of the Tesla he purchased in March, a senior White House official told CNN. The red vehicle may be sold or possibly given away, another official said.

As of this morning, the Tesla was still visible parked in the West Executive Driveway, just one day after a very public and online feud erupted between Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Trump had previously allowed some of his younger staffers to use the car, according to posts on social media.

“Taking President Trump’s Tesla out for a ride with @PressSec,” Margo Martin posted on X in May, sharing a photo from inside the car alongside White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Back in March, Trump transformed the South Lawn into what resembled a Tesla showroom, an apparent gesture toward Musk, his then-adviser. Later that day, Trump publicly announced he was purchasing a Tesla and had even bought a Cybertruck for his granddaughter.

A Rare Tesla in Trump’s Fleet

While Trump is known for his preference for luxury gasoline-powered vehicles, including his armored Cadillac “The Beast” used during his presidency, his ownership of a Tesla was an outlier. The red Tesla, which was reportedly a gift, stood out in his collection of traditional American-made cars.

An official close to Trump confirmed that the former president no longer plans to keep the vehicle, though the exact reasons for the decision remain unclear. Trump has been vocal about his skepticism toward electric vehicles, often claiming they are impractical, too expensive, and harmful to the auto industry.

Trump’s Broader Criticism of EVs

Trump has frequently targeted electric vehicles in his recent campaign speeches, framing them as a symbol of President Joe Biden’s environmental policies, which he argues hurt American workers.

“Electric vehicles are a hoax,” Trump said at a recent rally. “They’re too expensive, they don’t go far enough, and they’re killing the auto industry.”

His comments align with his broader pro-fossil-fuel stance, as he has promised to roll back Biden-era EV incentives and regulations if re-elected in 2024.

Tesla and Trump: An Unlikely Pair

Tesla, led by Elon Musk, has been a focal point in the EV revolution, but Musk’s relationship with Trump has been complicated. While the two have interacted publicly—with Musk briefly serving on White House advisory councils during Trump’s presidency—they have also clashed over issues like space policy and COVID-19 responses.

Musk, who has recently shown more conservative-leaning political views, has not publicly commented on Trump’s Tesla ownership or his decision to part ways with the vehicle.

What’s Next for Trump’s Ride?

It remains unclear what will happen to the red Tesla or what vehicle Trump will use next. Given his history, a return to a traditional gas-powered luxury car seems likely.

As the 2024 election heats up, Trump’s dismissal of his Tesla may serve as another symbolic gesture to his base, reinforcing his opposition to Biden’s green energy agenda.

For now, the red Tesla appears to be just another chapter in Trump’s long and colorful history with cars—and politics.

More updates to follow | @ 2025 Techbrunch