Not long ago, Elon Musk found himself without an invitation to the White House.
In 2021, President Joe Biden was rolling out stricter pollution regulations and emphasizing his electric vehicle initiatives.
Crisp models such as a Ford F-150 Lightning, a Chevrolet Bolt EV, and a Jeep Wrangler adorned the lawn, accompanied by the CEOs of the respective companies. Yet, the largest electric vehicle manufacturer in the nation, Tesla, was absent.
“It’s strange that Tesla wasn’t included,” Musk tweeted prior to the event.
The Biden administration justified the omission by highlighting that the invited automakers were the three biggest employers of the United Automobile Workers union, a significant entity, and indicated that they would seek collaborative opportunities with Tesla in the future. (The tension between unions and electric vehicles later posed challenges for Biden.) Today, this incident is viewed as a crucial moment in a rift between Musk and Biden that some Democratic figures now regret.
“They excluded Elon,” stated Republican strategist Mike Murphy, who is advocating for his party to accept electric vehicles. “And now he is not fond of them.”
That past incident was hard to ignore yesterday as Musk and Trump showcased Teslas, including Cybertrucks, on the White House driveway while enthusiastically outlining their advantages like patrons in a suburban car showroom.
“I’m a fan of the product,” Trump remarked.
“Give it a try,” Musk encouraged. “You’ll enjoy it!”
Musk has now gained the attention and endorsement from the White House that he sought years ago, along with numerous potential benefits for his companies—but not without consequences. He contributed approximately $300 million, predominantly through his super PAC, to assist Trump’s electoral campaign. My colleagues Theodore Schleifer and Maggie Haberman reported yesterday that Musk has signaled his willingness to invest an additional $100 million into Trump-associated political organizations.
However, his alliance with Trump has adversely affected his customer base. Previously, Murphy noted, Democrats were four times more inclined than Republicans to purchase electric vehicles. Presently, Tesla sales are declining, and some Democrats are returning their vehicles to dealerships.
Musk seems to be trying to penetrate a new market on the opposite end of the political spectrum. Trump, after years of criticizing electric vehicles, claimed he was purchasing one through a check. Sean Hannity, a supporter of Trump, mentioned he, too, would acquire a Tesla Model S Plaid to show solidarity with Musk.
“This vehicle is incredible,” he said on his show. “You can go 400 miles without needing a charge.”
AGENCY REPORT
47 percent
That’s the proportion of staff reductions at the Education Department, the agency that Trump has expressed a desire to dismantle. On Tuesday, the department announced it would be laying off around 1,300 employees. An additional 572 employees accepted separation packages offered in recent weeks, and 63 probationary employees were let go last month. At the start of the year, the department employed over 4,100 individuals.
These layoffs have significantly impacted efforts aimed at evaluating student performance across U.S. schools. At least 800 Education Department research employees and external partners have been affected by the job cuts.
More on government agencies
MEANWHILE on X
$TSLA
Musk is leveraging his X account as a platform for his messages. My colleague Kate Conger provides insight into his most significant updates from recent days.
Musk initially expressed excitement over his automotive showcase at the White House on Tuesday, but his posts on X took a more unsettling tone eventually.
By Wednesday, he began to promote theories suggesting that the protests and vandalism at Tesla dealerships were part of a Democrat-funded plot to undermine him.
“The smear campaign against me and my companies unfolded just as I expected,” he tweeted, sharing an earlier post that had warned of a Democratic backlash due to his Republican support.
Musk also shared posts from Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican from Georgia, calling for an investigation into Democratic advocacy organizations that she claimed were financing protests against Tesla.
Soon, “$TSLA” began trending on X as Tesla investors rejoiced in the stock’s resurgence following previous downturns. Shares of the electric vehicle manufacturer surged by seven percent after Musk’s appearance at the White House, showcasing the leverage his close association with the president provides for his companies.
— Kate Conger
BEHIND THE STORY
The significance of Musk’s suit
Last week, Elon Musk engaged in an uncommon act: he donned a suit and tie on two occasions. My colleague Shawn McCreesh, a White House reporter, interpreted this as a sign of a potential reassignment. I inquired with Shawn for further clarity on the matter.
Why is Musk’s decision to wear a suit last week of great importance?
There’s a performative aspect to Musk’s presence in the capital—his frequent “Tech Support” T-shirt and the playful anecdote he shares while wearing it is a notable part of his persona.
This sudden wardrobe shift aligned with several shifts occurring around him last week that appeared to signify the start of a consolidation of power. It was intriguing to see such a pivotal and classic Washington symbol—the gray suit and tie—representing his subjugation.
Musk returned to his signature blazer-and-T-shirt look at the Tesla event yesterday. What does that imply?
That’s his signature style, which I suspect Trump will continue to accept. Trump’s endorsement of Musk’s appearance speaks volumes about Musk’s influence and standing in Trump’s circle, as Trump has a well-known fondness for suits. He has mentioned his appreciation for suits in several of his books over the years. It’s his attire. It’s what people often wear when dressing up as him for Halloween.
Throughout history, rulers have enforced strict dress codes for their courts. For instance, King Louis XIV mandated that only select noblemen could don a particular blue silk jacket akin to his. Louis had a fondness for extravagant adornments, including diamonds, brocaded garments, elaborate wigs, and red-heeled shoes that symbolized the blood of his adversaries whom he vowed to vanquish.
Conversely, some individuals in Washington intentionally dress in a carefree manner—like John Fetterman and, to an extent, Bernie Sanders—to signify their connection to the general populace. Musk, however, seems to convey the opposite sentiment. His casual wardrobe choice appears to be a reminder that he operates in a league of his own.
So, Shawn, when do you opt for a suit?
After contemplating this topic, I felt I’d be somewhat hypocritical not to wear one, so I’m sporting a suit today.
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