Washington: US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that any violence targeting Tesla dealerships will now be categorized as an act of domestic terrorism. This declaration came as Trump promised strict repercussions for those involved in such incidents.

According to Anadolu Agency, the announcement was made during a press briefing held at the White House, where Trump was accompanied by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Trump expressed his backing for the electric vehicle giant, commending Tesla as a ‘great product’ and personally choosing a red Tesla Model S from a collection parked at the White House to illustrate his support. He voiced his expectation that this initiative would bolster Tesla’s sales.

“If you do it to Tesla … to any other company, we are going to catch you, you are going to go through hell,” Trump remarked, addressing the recent spate of attacks on Tesla properties. These attacks have been attributed to public discontent with Musk’s engagement in political matters.

Musk, reaffirming his role as Tesla’s CEO, revealed the company’s intention to double its production output in the US over the next two years. This announcement at the White House event helped lift Tesla’s stock prices, providing a temporary relief amidst declining sales and stock value, which have been impacted by acts of vandalism and criticism of Musk’s involvement in Trump’s administration.

Tesla has been targeted in a series of attacks on its dealerships and facilities, largely due to dissatisfaction with Musk’s political activities. Notably, his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to reduce the federal workforce and programs, has been a point of contention.

The vandalism has inflicted considerable financial damage on Tesla, prompting Trump to take a firm stand and publicly demonstrate his support for Musk and the company.