Bulwark Takes: Tesla’s Stock Crashes; Trump Stages a Bizarre PR Stunt
Release Date: March 11, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, Sam Stein and Lauren Egan delve into the turbulent recent developments surrounding Tesla, Elon Musk, and former President Donald Trump. The discussion centers on Tesla's declining stock performance, Musk's mounting challenges, and Trump's unconventional move to support Tesla amidst political and market pressures.

Tesla’s Stock Performance Decline

The episode opens with Sam Stein highlighting the recent downturn in Tesla's stock. Tesla experienced a significant drop, closing last Friday at $262 despite a minor uptick earlier in the week by approximately 3.8%. However, by mid-week, the stock had plummeted to $480—a stark decline that has raised concerns among investors and stakeholders.

Trump’s PR Stunt at the White House

Lauren Egan provides context to Trump's latest maneuver: a surprise event at the White House where Trump showcased five Tesla vehicles, including a Cybertruck adorned with red, white, and blue colors. This move comes at a time when Tesla is under intense scrutiny from Democrats and facing declining stock values. Lauren notes, “[Trump] is going to buy a Tesla at the White House. He's going to look at some Teslas” (00:59).

Elon Musk’s Involvement and Interaction with Trump

Elon Musk was present at the event, engaging in conversations and demonstrating the vehicles alongside Trump. Sam Stein humorously points out the irony of Musk, one of Trump's significant donors, supporting the former president: “He affirms he's both the CEO of Tesla still and Trump's top advisor. Not that there's any conflict of interest at all here” (01:54).

During the event, Trump expressed admiration for Tesla’s technological advancements. At 05:17, Trump remarks, “Wow, that's beautiful. This is a different panel than I passed. Everything's computer. That's beautiful,” showcasing his amazement at the vehicle's features. Elon Musk responded by simplifying the car’s operation for Trump: “It’s like driving a go cart, basically” (05:48).

Tesla Protests and the 'Take That' Movement

The conversation shifts to the growing protests against Tesla, which have occasionally escalated into vandalism and arson. Lauren explains that while the organizers of these protests advocate for nonviolent demonstrations to pressure Musk and the Republican Party, the recent event at the White House suggests that the movement is gaining traction: “[They are] using protests to highlight that Elon Musk is not an elected official and to put pressure on Musk and the Republican Party” (08:04).

Political Implications and the Musk-Trump Relationship

Sam Stein theorizes that Musk's increasing unpopularity is inadvertently strengthening his alliance with Trump. As Elon grapples with negative public sentiment, Trump’s endorsement of Tesla serves as a strategic maneuver to align with Musk’s base. Lauren adds that grassroots activists on the left are targeting Musk as a vulnerable link to the MAGA movement, rather than focusing on Trump himself (11:30).

The episode also touches on Musk’s online presence and its impact on Tesla’s stock. Sam mentions, “He’s chronically online in a way that’s making even a little concerning, considering he has so many jobs” (09:06), highlighting how Musk’s active engagement on platforms like Twitter can influence investor perceptions and market performance.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Sam Stein and Lauren Egan reflect on the intertwined relationship between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. Stein posits that the challenges Musk faces may inadvertently bind him closer to Trump, complicating the political landscape. Lauren concurs, noting the potential pressures Republican lawmakers might face as the situation evolves (11:24).

The discussion underscores the complex interplay between business leadership, political alliances, and public perception, illustrating how Tesla’s struggles are not just financial but deeply embedded in the broader cultural and political fabric.

Notable Quotes

• Sam Stein (00:00): “Tesla's stock is down. It's up today about 3.8% or so, but it closed that Friday at 262. It's now 2:30. Today at Tesla was 480, so it's been down badly.”

• Lauren Egan (00:59): “Trump is going to buy a Tesla at the White House. He's going to look at some Teslas.”

• Donald Trump (05:17): “Wow, that's beautiful. This is a different panel than I passed. Everything's computer. That's beautiful.”

• Elon Musk (05:38): “Yeah, it’s just a brake and an accelerator. I don't want to give Secret Service matter.”

• Donald Trump (10:37): “He's an incredible patriot, and I don't even know if he's a Republican. I really don't.”

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