U.S. President Donald Trump praised Tesla CEO Elon Musk, calling him a "patriot" and a friend during a media event following his second cabinet meeting on March 24.
"Elon, I want to thank you. I know you've been through a lot with this horrible situation that happens. He is a patriot," Trump said.
He noted that his relationship with Musk deepened during the election. "He's become a friend of mine. He has become a friend of mine, and supported me in the election. That's when I got to know him really," he said. "I knew him a little bit from the first term, but not much."
Trump also pointed out that Musk had never made any personal requests of him. "He has never asked me for a thing. He could have," he stated, jokingly adding, "that's always subject to change, and if it does change, I'll let you know about it."
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/Dfq7RWQkkeDogeDesigner (@cb_doge) March 24, 2025
During his speech, Trump mentioned his decision to revoke a 2021 executive order by President Biden, which aimed to make 50% of new vehicle sales electric or plug-in hybrid by 2030. "I got rid of the electric car mandate. I have no idea how that affects it, but possibly not good," he remarked.
Musk attended the cabinet meeting wearing a red baseball hat with the slogan "Trump Was Right About Everything." During the meeting, he responded to Trump’s praise, saying, "Just trying to do the right thing for the American taxpayer and for the American people."
Trump had issued a strong warning against vandals targeting Tesla vehicles. He has fully backed Musk and his struggling car company. Days after vowing to treat Tesla-related property crimes as domestic terrorism, the Justice Department charged three individuals for firebombing cars and showrooms. Meanwhile, the FBI has launched an investigation into the attacks.
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