In a surprising twist, Donald Trump has shifted his stance on electric vehicles, transitioning from fierce opposition to enthusiastic support just two months before the presidential elections.
At a Glance
- Trump previously denounced electric vehicle advocates.
- Trump now supports electric vehicles due to Elon Musk’s endorsement.
- Adin Ross gifted Trump a Tesla Cybertruck with MAGA slogans.
- This shift reflects a broader trend among Republicans aligning with Musk.
Trump’s Initial Opposition
Donald Trump has been a vocal critic of electric vehicles (EVs) and their proponents. Last Christmas, he used his Truth Social app to issue inflammatory statements, calling them “evil and ‘sick’ THUGS.” Trump’s rhetoric reflected his broader commitment to dismantling Biden’s climate policies and boosting fossil fuel production. He promised to increase oil drilling, offer tax breaks to fossil fuel producers, and speed up natural gas pipeline approvals.
Trump even vowed to end what he referred to as the “electric vehicle mandate” on his first day in office, despite no such federal mandate existing. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released clean car standards aimed at reducing tailpipe emissions by 2032, but these do not require the exclusive use of EVs.
Trump said, “I will end the electric vehicle mandate on day one.”
Trump is wrong to say there is a "Biden mandate" to replace gasoline-powered cars with EVs. https://t.co/mBxgiEa0FD— PolitiFact (@PolitiFact) July 19, 2024
Shift in Stance Due to Elon Musk’s Endorsement
Recently, Trump’s rhetoric has softened significantly. He attributes this change to Elon Musk’s strong endorsement. “I have to be, you know, because Elon endorsed me very strongly,” Trump said. This shift highlights the influence that Musk holds over the Republican base, despite his controversial reputation among Democrats.
“That doesn’t mean everybody should have an electric car, but these are minor details, but your product is incredible,” Trump remarked, showing a nuanced acceptance of EVs.
This endorsement was further highlighted when streamer Adin Ross gifted Trump a Tesla Cybertruck emblazoned with MAGA slogans. The Cybertruck, already a cultural icon, has now become a symbol of political division as it represents the confluence of technology and conservative politics.
Trump Vows to End Electric Vehicle ‘Mandate’ on Day One.
[@elonmusk Never Go Full trump]https://t.co/hJNMUheai2 via @bpolitics
— RiskReversal Media (@RiskReversal) July 19, 2024
Implications for the Upcoming Elections
Trump’s newfound support for electric vehicles could have significant political implications. Aligning with Musk may attract younger, tech-savvy voters while maintaining his core base drawn to fossil fuel advocacy. Conversely, this shift might alienate those who viewed him as a staunch opponent of electric vehicles and environmental regulations.
The broader Republican Party appears to be moving in a similar direction. This trend includes criticism of Biden’s electric vehicle policies, which they argue limit consumer choice and benefit China. There is speculation that Republicans might target the federal consumer tax credit for EVs if they gain power.
Sources
1. Trump says he has ‘no choice’ but to back EVs after Musk endorsement
2. Never mind Trump’s new rhetoric — he’s still gunning for EVs
