Trump pledges Tesla protection, warns against violent protests

US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he would classify violence against Tesla dealerships as domestic terrorism, standing alongside Tesla CEO Elon Musk to express his backing amid recent "Tesla Takedown" protests and a slump in the company’s stock.

Speaking at the White House, Musk revealed Tesla's plans to double its US vehicle production within two years.

Earlier in the day, Trump declared his intention to buy a new Tesla to demonstrate support for Musk, following mounting protests against the electric carmaker.

Protests have erupted across the US due to Musk’s role in Trump’s aggressive federal workforce reductions. Last week, around 350 demonstrators gathered outside a Tesla dealership in Portland, Oregon, while a protest in New York City earlier this month led to nine arrests.

Musk is heading the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE.

On his Truth Social platform, Trump praised Musk for "putting it on the line" for the country, calling his efforts "fantastic".

"I'm going to buy a brand new Tesla tomorrow morning as a show of confidence and support for Elon Musk, a truly great American," Trump stated.