Trump’s Tesla Dilemma: The Risks of Presidential Endorsements

President Donald Trump has always been a businessman at heart, and his ability to market and brand everything from skyscrapers to stakes has been legendary. But when that branding power is applied to a sitting U.S. president promoting a private company—especially one owned by someone as politically entangled as Elon Musk—it raises serious ethical and legal concerns.

Over the past several months, Trump has not only praised Musk’s Tesla vehicles publicly but has gone a step further: purchasing one himself and encouraging the American public to do the same. On its surface, this may seem like standard Trumpian flair—boosting an American company and pushing for economic success. However, the entanglement between Musk and Trump runs deeper than most realize, and that is where the real issues begin.

Musk: The President’s Shadow

Musk’s proximity to President Trump has been undeniable. He has frequently been spotted at Mar-a-Lago, traveling with the president on official trips aboard taxpayer-funded flights, and even engaging in Oval Office meetings that—unlike those with most business leaders—seem less about policy and more about promotion. Musk, already one of the most powerful business figures in the world, now appears to have a direct pipeline to the White House, blurring the lines between political leadership and corporate favoritism.

There is a fine line between a president advocating for American industry and directly endorsing a company, and Trump’s repeated praises for Tesla—paired with his personal purchase and urging Americans to follow suit—cross that line. The bad optics alone should concern anyone who values transparency in government.

The Ethical & Legal Risks

Federal Endorsement Prohibition (5 CFR § 2635.702)

The law is clear: federal officials, including the president, cannot use their office to endorse a private business. While past presidents have supported certain industries—think of Obama’s push for green energy or Bush’s ties to oil—outright promotion of a specific company’s product is a different matter.

Conflict of Interest (18 U.S.C. § 208)

Though Trump has no financial stake in Tesla (at least, not that we know of), his close relationship with Musk creates a de facto conflict. If policy decisions—such as electric vehicle subsidies or tax incentives—benefit Tesla disproportionately, the American people have every right to question whether those policies were crafted in the public’s best interest or in the interest of Musk’s empire.

Misuse of Government Resources (18 U.S.C. § 641)

Musk has traveled with Trump on government-funded flights. While not illegal on its own, if these trips in any way support Tesla’s business interests, it could be a misuse of taxpayer dollars. Furthermore, using the Oval Office as a platform for what amounts to free advertising could run afoul of ethics guidelines.

The Problem With Perception

Whether or not these actions break the law, they undeniably undermine public trust. Trump has built his presidency on fighting the "swamp" and exposing the cozy relationships between politicians and corporate elites. Yet Musk, a billionaire with extensive business dealings reliant on government contracts and subsidies, has seamlessly inserted himself into Trump’s inner circle. This is not a good look for an administration that claims to put America First rather than Big Business First.

Final Thought

No one doubts that Trump sees Tesla’s success as a victory for American manufacturing and innovation. But when the line between government leadership and personal endorsement gets blurred, it raises the specter of favoritism, potential conflicts of interest, and taxpayer-funded corporate benefit. If Trump truly wants to drain the swamp, he should ensure that his administration’s relationships with business leaders—especially ones as influential as Musk—are transparent, accountable, and free from any appearance of impropriety.

Bill White Says…

"It’s easy to forget that power and influence walk hand in hand. But when the handshake becomes a hug, the American people should start asking who really benefits."