Quick Read
- Newly released financial disclosures reveal Tesla stock ownership among Trump White House staff.
- Approximately 10% of staffers hold shares in Elon Musk’s company, despite Trump’s ongoing feud with Musk.
- Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is the largest Tesla investor among staff, with holdings up to $100,000.
In a striking revelation amid ongoing tensions between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, recent financial disclosures have uncovered significant Tesla stock ownership among Trump’s White House staff. Despite the public feud that has unfolded in recent weeks, the data shows that approximately 10% of White House staffers hold investments in Musk’s electric vehicle company, Tesla.
Karoline Leavitt: The Largest Tesla Investor Among Staff
At the forefront of these disclosures is White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who has emerged as the largest Tesla stockholder among the staff. According to the filings, Leavitt’s investment in Tesla is valued between $50,000 and $100,000, as financial disclosure forms typically report in ranges. Beyond Tesla, Leavitt’s portfolio also includes shares in Raytheon, Boeing, and Trump Media and Technology Group, the latter being the parent company of Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social. Despite her financial success, Leavitt’s failed congressional campaign still owes over $250,000 in refunds for unauthorized contributions, highlighting the complex financial backdrop of her public service.
White House Staff Financial Trends
The disclosures, quietly released last week, reveal that at least 11 staffers among the 121 who filed reports have investments in Tesla. This information surfaces at a time when Musk’s relationship with Trump has taken a turbulent turn. Once allies, the two have been engaged in a public spat since early June 2025, trading barbs over social media and policy disagreements. Notably, Trump has reportedly considered selling his own Tesla shares, signaling the depth of their fallout (Notus, June 18, 2025).
The staff’s Tesla investments raise intriguing questions about the intersection of personal finances and political alliances. While the president has been vocal in his criticism of Musk, including over the repeal of an electric vehicle tax credit, the financial ties of his team to Musk’s company suggest a more nuanced picture. This dichotomy underscores the complexity of modern political and financial landscapes (Nytimes, June 5, 2025).
The Trump-Musk Feud and Its Broader Implications
The fallout between Trump and Musk has been widely publicized, with the two exchanging sharp criticisms over key policy issues. The feud escalated in early June 2025 when Musk labeled Trump’s domestic policy bill as a “disgusting abomination” on social media. In response, Trump accused Musk of being upset over the repeal of an electric vehicle tax credit, a claim Musk denied. This public clash has reportedly impacted Tesla’s market value, reflecting the tangible consequences of their discord (Nytimes, June 6, 2025).
Despite these tensions, the financial disclosures suggest that Musk’s influence within the White House remains significant, albeit indirectly. The investments in Tesla by staffers like Leavitt highlight the enduring appeal of Musk’s vision for clean energy and innovation, even as political relationships sour. This dynamic illustrates the complexities of balancing personal financial interests with public political stances.
The juxtaposition of Tesla investments within Trump’s White House against the backdrop of a high-profile feud underscores the intertwined nature of politics, business, and personal finance. As the fallout between Trump and Musk continues to unfold, these revelations offer a compelling lens into the power dynamics shaping modern governance and industry.