“It’s Tesla, baby!” exclaimed Lily Tang Williams, an outspoken supporter of Elon Musk and a twice-defeated Republican congressional candidate from New Hampshire. In a recent tweet, she shared a video showcasing her brand-new Tesla Model Y, proudly wearing a tie-dyed sweatshirt in the vehicle. This bold purchase was not just a personal choice; Williams expressed her intent to support Musk and the cryptocurrency DOGE. “We, the free people, must defeat the leftists/Marxists/communist mobs or they will destroy America!” she passionately declared to her followers on X.
When I spoke with Williams a few days later, she admitted that she hadn’t driven her new Tesla yet. “I need to practice. I’m not a very good driver,” she chuckled. However, she emphasized the importance of conservatives rallying behind Tesla and its CEO, particularly now that many on the left seem to have turned against the brand. “We must win, as a free people,” she stated, indicating that her purchase was a political statement as much as a personal choice.
Williams' sentiments reflect a broader trend among some Tesla owners, particularly those who identify as conservative. Following Elon Musk’s vocal support for former President Trump, a significant number of liberal Tesla owners have felt compelled to sell their once-beloved vehicles. This backlash has escalated, with reports of radical anti-Musk individuals resorting to graffiti, arson at charging stations, and even throwing Molotov cocktails at Tesla cars.
In a surprising twist, former President Trump, who has previously criticized electric vehicles, joined the Tesla promotion frenzy. During a recent news conference on the White House lawn—transformed into an impromptu Tesla showroom—Trump invited Musk to extol the virtues of full autonomous driving technology, a feature the CEO has long promised. In a show of support, the president announced plans to purchase a Tesla Model S, specifically a red one, without even asking for a discount. This unexpected endorsement further underscores the political and cultural significance of Tesla in today’s landscape.
As the divide between supporters and detractors of Elon Musk widens, the future of Tesla remains a hot topic of discussion. With figures like Lily Tang Williams openly advocating for the brand and Trump stepping into the spotlight, it’s clear that Tesla is not just an electric vehicle manufacturer; it has become a symbol of political allegiance and cultural identity. Whether you are a fan of electric vehicles or skeptical of their place in our society, one thing is certain: the conversation surrounding Tesla is just getting started.
