President Trump made headlines by stepping into a Tesla instead of the usual presidential limousine, expressing support for Elon Musk. This public endorsement of a private company raises ethical questions, especially given Musk's influence in government efficiency as well as his roles in multiple companies that receive federal contracts. Critics, including former White House ethics lawyer Richard Painter, suggest this could be seen as the government favoring one company over others, amidst declining Tesla sales globally and Trump’s revocation of Biden-era electric vehicle incentives.
"It looks like a way of saying this economy will be driven by favoritism. It looks like government picking winners and losers, and the government saying, 'Tesla is the winner.'"
"That's beautiful," Trump said, getting into the front seat of a red Model S on Tuesday.
Trump's purchase is also another example of Musk blurring the line between his roles in government, where he leads the administration's government efficiency effort, and in the private sector, as the head of Tesla, SpaceX and X, formerly known as Twitter.
Richard Painter, former chief White House ethics lawyer under former President George W. Bush, said the display appears to violate federal rules prohibiting the use of public office for private gain.
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