Elon Musk Reveals Donald Trump's Surprising Stance On EVs, Says Former President Is 'Huge Fan' Of The Tesla Cybertruck

Benzinga Neuro

June 13, 2024

Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) CEO Elon Musk disclosed that former President Donald Trump is a big supporter of electric vehicles, despite his public criticism of the industry.

What Happened: At Tesla’s annual meeting, Musk stated that Trump is a "huge fan" of the company’s futuristic Cybertruck, reported Bloomberg. Musk also mentioned that Trump frequently calls him, even though the reason for these calls remains unclear.

"I have had some conversations with him and he does call me out of the blue for no reason," Musk said.

Trump, who is expected to be the Republican presidential nominee, has previously expressed skepticism about EVs and their potential impact on the U.S. auto industry. However, his stance appears to have softened recently, with Musk advising him on cryptocurrency policy and Trump publicly praising Musk and EVs at a rally in Arizona.

Musk also highlighted that he has informed Trump about the benefits of EVs for the future and the U.S.’s leadership in battery-powered cars. He suggested that Trump’s friends, who are now Tesla owners, may have influenced his positive view of the Cybertruck.

See Also: Cathie Wood, Ark Invest Set New $2,600 Price Target For Tesla: ‘Every Car Becomes An AI-Powered Cash Flow

During the Q&A session, Musk was asked about his well-being, to which he humorously replied, “I probably need to work out and not get assassinated or something.”

Why It Matters: The relationship between Elon Musk and Donald Trump has evolved significantly over recent months. Back in March, Trump met with Musk and other Republican donors in a private meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, as he sought financial backing for his campaign.

Following this meeting, Musk announced he would not financially support either Trump or current President Joe Biden in the 2024 election.

Price Action: Tesla Inc closed at $182.47 on Thursday, up 2.92% for the day. In after-hours trading, the stock rose to $182.70, up 0.13%. However, over the past year, Tesla’s stock has seen a significant decline of 28.94%, according to the data from Benzinga Pro.

Read Next: Musk’s Dire Prediction: Civilization Rapidly Drifting Towards a Dystopian or Utopian Future

Image Via Shutterstock

This story was generated using Benzinga Neuro and edited by Kaustubh Bagalkote

Recommended

Weekend Trading: The Key to Conquer Volatility with Tim Sykes! - Ad

Oppenheimer of Our Age Makes Startling Discovery - Ad

What President Biden's New Law Means for Investors - Ad

According to a recent poll, a majority of voters have expressed their belief that President Joe Biden should be replaced as the Democratic candidate.

Ex-Colleagues Of Judge In Donald Trump's Hush-Money Case Say Former President Will Most Likely Face This Sentence

Former New York City judges weigh in on potential sentencing outcomes for former President Donald Trump.

Don't Pay a Dime for Marc Lichtenfeld's Top AI Picks

Don't Pay a Dime for Marc Lichtenfeld's Top AI Picks - Ad

Marc Lichtenfeld's has a brand-new "AI Income Playbook", absolutely FREE! Inside, you'll find Marc's favorite AI dividend stocks... Poised to profit from the fastest-growing technology in history... and pay you bigger and bigger cash dividends along the way! And it's all yours, free of charge.

Assault on US avocado inspectors in Mexican state led to suspension of inspections

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Two employees of the U.S. Agriculture Department were assaulted and temporarily held by assailants in the Mexican state of Michoacan, prompting the U.S. government , the U.S. ambassador to Mexico said Tuesday.

XPeng's Flying Car Takes Off In China, Aims For Commercialization By End Of The Year

China's XPeng Inc. successfully showed off its flying car, the X2, at a trade fair, signaling a push towards commercialization in the low-altitude economy.

5 Wall Street Legends Just Bought This One Stock

5 Wall Street Legends Just Bought This One Stock - Ad

"If you're not at the table, you're on the menu," says former Goldman Sachs VP, Dr. David Eifrig.

Tesla Model 3 Long Range Now Qualifies For Full $7,500 Tax Credit

Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA) announced the new Model 3 Long Range (LR) now qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit in the

Will Your iPhone Support New Apple Intelligence Features? Here's What You Need To Know

Apple has announced a suite of AI-powered features for iPhones, calling it Apple Intelligence. However, these features will be limited to select iPhones.

The Tiny Tech Disrupting the $28.4B Hospital Infection Epidemic

The Tiny Tech Disrupting the $28.4B Hospital Infection Epidemic - Ad

Hospital-acquired infections are a silent killer, but one small company's nanotechnology could put an end to this costly crisis. Their proactive approach is turning heads in the healthcare industry.

Michael Dell Says Generative AI Tech Wave Sweeping In Much Faster Than Early Internet: 'It's Happening Maybe 10 Times Faster'

Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Inc., compared the rise of generative AI to major technological advancements like the internet, noting its rapid adoption and significant impact on the global market.

UAW President Shawn Fain Under Federal Scrutiny For Alleged Retaliation Against Union Leaders, Monitor's Probe Widens

Shawn Fain, the president of the United Auto Workers, is under investigation by an independent federal monitor for alleged retaliation against other union leaders.

Could This New Project Top $1T?

Could This New Project Top $1T? - Ad

This billionaire has predicted that his new venture - something I'm calling "X-9840" - could become "a trillion dollar company." Today, only three companies in the US are worth more than $2 trillion. Microsoft... Apple...and Nvidia. This has nothing to do with electric vehicles... Self-driving cars, rockets, brain chips, or satellites.

Judges hear Elizabeth Holmes' appeal of fraud conviction while she remains in Texas prison

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A panel of federal judges spent two hours on Tuesday wrestling with a series of legal issues raised in an attempt to overturn a fraud conviction that sent Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes to prison after a meteoric rise to Silicon Valley stardom.

Visa's Mark Nelsen wants to make your plastic credit card obsolete

Mark Nelsen, Visa’s global head of consumer payments, sees a world where the plastic card in your wallet becomes increasingly obsolete and the standard 16-digit account number becomes worthless.

Man Who Called Nvidia at $1.10 Says Buy This Now...

Man Who Called Nvidia at $1.10 Says Buy This Now... - Ad

In 2004, a man predicted Nvidia's rise. Now, he says a new company, which IPO'd in 2023, could soar like Nvidia. It signed a major deal with Apple for its AI tech in iPhones and iMacs. Could it be the next trillion-dollar company? See why he believes it's among "The Next Magnificent Seven."

US Supreme Court refuses to take up challenge to Florida's online sports betting compact

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday refused to take up a challenge to exclusive rights to handle online sports betting in Florida, dealing a blow to the deal's opponents.

Faking an honest woman: Why Russia, China and Big Tech all use faux females to get clicks

WASHINGTON (AP) — When disinformation researcher Wen-Ping Liu looked into China's efforts to influence using fake social media accounts, something unusual stood out about the most successful profiles.

What Is Nvidia's New $1 Trillion Superproject?

What Is Nvidia's New $1 Trillion Superproject? - Ad

While most are still focused on Nvidia's recent performance, they're missing this massive, $1 trillion pivot Nvidia's making right now. But it's what's happening behind the scenes that should be most exciting for investors. We've identified three companies that Nvidia needs to lean on to help get the job done.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Is Facing Significant Financial Challenges In His Run Against Donald Trump And Joe Biden: Report

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s presidential campaign is grappling with significant financial challenges, impacting his ability to gain traction as a third-party contender in the 2024 election.

Boeing Insists On Adherence To Legal Agreement Post-737 MAX Crashes: Report

Boeing reportedly maintains it adhered to a 2021 agreement aimed at avoiding prosecution after the 737 MAX incidents, countering U.S. claims of non-compliance. The company's commitment to transparent engagement highlights its efforts to navigate legal complexities ahead of the Justice Department's crucial July 7 decision on extending prosecution terms.

Discover "U.S.'s New Money" Before Biden Wins

Discover "U.S.'s New Money" Before Biden Wins - Ad

A new form of money has emerged in America, and it's making some folks wildly rich... (Musk and Bezos both use it). Find out how you can too in this free video.

Nvidia Is 'At The Center' Of Something 'Really Big,' Says Expert As Jensen Huang-Led Chip Giant Beats Microsoft, Apple To Become World's Most Valuable Company

Nvidia's stock has been on a roll since the beginning of the year, outperforming the majority of the market.

Michigan couple, attorney announced as winners of $842.4 million Powerball jackpot

GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — A mid-Michigan couple and a lawyer from the west side of the state were announced Tuesday as winners of an $842.4 million Powerball lottery jackpot from a ticket purchased on New Year's Day.

AI Giant To Close the AI "Wealth Window' June 25?

AI Giant To Close the AI "Wealth Window' June 25? - Ad

On June 25, AI Giants will reveal "AI 2.0" to major tech executives, marking a pivotal moment in investing. This next-gen AI promises to transform lives and create a $15.7 trillion global market by 2030. This brief opportunity exists for early investors to capitalize on small breakthrough companies before this wealth window closes.

This NYC vet makes house calls. In 'Pets and the City,' she's penned a memoir full of tails

NEW YORK (AP) — As a city kid, Amy Attas had big dreams of roaming the countryside, healing animals a la James Herriot's classic

Sprint great Michael Johnson launching 'Grand Slam Track' league with $100K first prizes

Sprinting great Michael Johnson is launching a track league that looks to assemble nearly 100 of the sport's top performers four times a year to compete for $12.6 million in prize money over its first season.

America's 'Silent Invasion' - Is Your Town in the Crosshairs?

America's 'Silent Invasion' - Is Your Town in the Crosshairs? - Ad

A silent invasion is happening all over America. It has nothing to do with the border but will end with even more disastrous results. Why? A faceless entity is coming by air, rail, port, and highway. What does it mean for you and your money? There's still time to prepare, but you must act today.

Europe wants affordable electric vehicles from China. But not at the cost of its own auto industry

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — The European Union moved Wednesday to hike tariffs, or import taxes, on made in China. EVs are the latest flash point in a broader trade dispute over Chinese government subsidies and the Asian nation's burgeoning exports of to the 27-nation bloc.

Martha's Vineyard is about to run out of pot. That's led to a lawsuit and a scramble by regulators

VINEYARD HAVEN, Mass. (AP) — An 81-year-old woman on Martha's Vineyard drove up to the Island Time dispensary last week seeking her usual order of pot. But owner Geoff Rose had to tell her the cupboard was bare — he'd been forced to temporarily close three weeks earlier after selling every last bud and gummy.

The Nanotech Startup on a Mission to Save Millions of Lives

The Nanotech Startup on a Mission to Save Millions of Lives - Ad

With a groundbreaking technology that repels deadly pathogens, this tiny company is taking on the global threat. Their innovative approach could transform infection control forever.

The fizz is gone: Atlanta's former Coca-Cola museum demolished for parking lot

ATLANTA (AP) — Once a shrine to the world's most popular soft drink, the building that housed the original World of Coca-Cola is going flat at the hands of Georgia's state government.

American investor Martin Shkreli accused of copying and sharing one-of-a-kind Wu-Tang Clan album

NEW YORK (AP) — American investor Martin Shkreli is facing a new lawsuit for allegedly retaining and sharing recordings from a one-of-a-kind Wu-Tang Clan album that he was forced to sell following his 2017 conviction on .

One Billionaire's Genius Plan to Save the US Dollar From Collapse?

One Billionaire's Genius Plan to Save the US Dollar From Collapse? - Ad

If you're holding any US dollars, you need to see what this tech titan is up to now... This could be the biggest change to our financial system since the creation of the Federal Reserve in 1913. Hurry... He has said he could flip the switch "as early as mid 2024."

Musk Urges Tesla Shareholders To Vote, Says Too Much Of The Stock Market Is Controlled by ISS And Glass Lewis: 'Zero Economic Alignment With Actual Shareholders'

Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA) CEO Elon Musk is urging shareholders to cast their votes on their shares by offering them an opportunity to win a personal tour of the company's Texas facility.

Rockstar Games Co-Founder Reveals Why GTA Movie 'Never Made Sense'

Dan Houser explains why a Grand Theft Auto movie "never made sense," highlighting the huge risks and lack of creative control involved.

Joe Biden Facing Political "Knockout" In Weeks?

Joe Biden Facing Political "Knockout" In Weeks? - Ad

Weeks from now, we are expecting Joe Biden to make a historical announcement... It will change everything about the coming 2024 election. In short: Joe Biden is facing a new political scandal like no other ... And the shocking thing is, his own party is behind it. It doesn't matter if you're not a political junkie. It doesn't matter who you are voting for. The implications of this sinister turn of events will impact YOUR money, perhaps immediately...

Wall Street Holds Breath After Record Close For Fed Decision, CPI Data: Why This Analyst Sees Positive Inflation Trends Ahead

U.S. stock futures point to a weak start on Tuesday, signaling a pause after Monday’s record run. Global cues are negative and commodity prices weakened as well.

Elliott Management Reportedly Builds $2B Stake In Southwest Airlines, Plans To Push For Change

Elliott Investment Management, an activist investor, has built a nearly $2 billion stake in Southwest Airlines, and is set to advocate for changes to enhance the airline's underperforming shares.

'Bombshell' Presentation Exposes Dark Side of Tech Billionaires

'Bombshell' Presentation Exposes Dark Side of Tech Billionaires - Ad

Blistering presentation exposes dark underbelly of Big Tech; their control over the economy and what you can do about it. If you watch just one presentation this year, make sure it's this one.

Data Leak In Masayoshi Son's SoftBank-Backed Internet Company Causes Strain In Japan-South Korea Relations

The breaches were attributed to insecure systems at Seoul-based Naver, which co-owns the company.

Trending Now