Donald Trump Praises Elon Musk as a 'Patriot' and Close Ally During Cabinet Briefing:

At a media event following his second cabinet meeting on March 24, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed strong support for Tesla CEO Elon Musk, referring to him as a “patriot” and a friend.

“Elon, I want to thank you. I know you’ve been through a lot with this horrible situation. He is a patriot,” Trump said.

He shared that their relationship deepened during the election period, noting that while he knew Musk slightly during his first term, their bond strengthened more recently.

“He’s become a friend of mine… and supported me in the election. That’s when I got to know him really,” Trump added.

Musk Has Never Asked for Favors, Says Trump

Trump emphasized that despite their connection, Musk had never made any personal or business-related requests.

“He has never asked me for a thing. He could have,” Trump said, then added humorously, “That’s always subject to change, and if it does change, I’ll let you know about it.”

Trump Revokes Biden’s Electric Vehicle Mandate

Trump also announced the revocation of President Biden’s 2021 executive order, which had aimed for 50% of all new vehicle sales to be electric or plug-in hybrids by 2030.

“I got rid of the electric car mandate. I have no idea how that affects it, but possibly not good,” he stated, referencing potential impacts on Tesla.
???? President Trump on Elon Musk today:

"Elon, I want to thank you. I know you've been through a lot with this horrible situation that happens, saving America. He is as a patriot. He's become a friend of mine. He has never asked me for a thing or any favor." pic.twitter.com/Dfq7RWQkke
— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) March 24, 2025

Musk, present at the cabinet meeting wearing a red hat reading “Trump Was Right About Everything”, responded to the praise:

“Just trying to do the right thing for the American taxpayer and for the American people,” he said.

Trump Backs Tesla Amid Vandalism Attacks

Trump issued a strong warning against vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles, labeling such actions as serious threats. He had earlier vowed to classify Tesla-related property crimes as domestic terrorism.

Following this, the Justice Department charged three individuals for firebombing Tesla cars and showrooms, and the FBI has launched an investigation into the ongoing attacks.