Why president Trump was denied permission to drive his multi-million dollar Tesla? VIDEO

On Tuesday, former U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines by purchasing a gleaming red Tesla Model S for the White House. The move was seen as a public endorsement of Elon Musk’s company, which has been facing a sharp decline in stock value and criticism over employee layoffs. Striking a pose behind the wheel of his brand new Tesla, Trump said, "Wow, this is beautiful." Musk, in the passenger seat, grinned and said in a joking tone, "This is going to drive the Secret Service crazy." The two men also talked about the car's astonishing acceleration that could go up to 95 km/h within seconds.

Trump can't drive his new Tesla

Even after buying the high-speed car, Trump announced at a press conference that he is not allowed to drive it. The previous president clarified that because of security measures, American presidents cannot drive on public roads. "I love driving, but I haven't done it in a long time," Trump said. He also stated that the car would be kept at the White House for use by his staff, as he added, "They are really excited about it. Can you believe I'm not allowed to drive it?"

Donald Trump doing a Tesla infomercial for Elon Musk—his biggest political donor—in front of the White House is peak corruption. pic.twitter.com/EpQ43g9dEg

— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) March 11, 2025

Presidential driving prohibition and security procedures

The prohibition against U.S. presidents driving openly has been operative since John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. The Secret Service maintains the rule to the letter in order to keep the incumbent and past presidents safe. Furthermore, Trump's driving permit has come into question. In 2016, Politico received a copy of his New York driver's license, which was due to expire on June 14, 2020, his 74th birthday.

Can former presidents drive?

Although public driving is forbidden, former presidents may drive cars on private land. In May 2021, Joe Biden took a Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck for a drive in Dearborn, Michigan, to promote domestic manufacturing. Equally, George W. Bush uncovered during a 2017 "Jay Leno's Garage" interview that he motors on his ranch in Texas but hasn't had an experience of being on public roads since more than 25 years.

Barack Obama even confessed during 2015 that he at some point motor driven an electric automobile on the South Lawn of the White House. Trump's Gesture Towards TeslaTrump's purchase of Tesla shows his ongoing affirmation of Elon Musk and the electric car business. Nonetheless, security policies hinder him from individually appreciating his new vehicle. His comments regarding the limitations have sparked debate among his supporters and White House aides.