It’s early March 2025, and Troy Batastini, a regular guy like you or me, posts a picture on X standing in front of a shiny Tesla with his partner, right outside a Tesla Services Center. The caption? “I love what Elon Musk is doing, so much so, we went and bought a new car to show our support.”
I love what @elonmusk is doing, so much so, we went and bought a new car to show our support@Tesla pic.twitter.com/LOhbGhDzpy
— Troy Batastini (@batastini2121) March 2, 2025
That’s a bold statement, right? But here’s the kicker. While some people are out there protesting Tesla cars because they don’t vibe with Elon Musk’s political moves, which I think are the betterment of this country, others, like Troy, are all in, loving what he’s doing so much they’re driving off in a Tesla.
Elon Musk, Tesla’s big boss, isn’t just known for electric cars: he’s got a huge footprint in politics too. In 2024, he threw his weight behind Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, spending a whopping $277 million to support Trump and other Republicans, making him one of the biggest political donor of that year. That’s a lot of cash! Some folks think Musk’s political moves - like his standing for traditional values, family values, immigration stances, DOGE work - are awesome for the U.S., believing they’ll shake things up for the better. They see him as a visionary shaking up Washington, D.C., and making bold changes. I am one of them.
But not everyone’s on board. A lot of people are upset with Musk’s politics. They protest Tesla vehicles, saying his views don’t align with their values. I can understand that, but different people have different values. My values are Christian traditional values. These people say Musk's political activities are hurting Tesla’s brand, with sales taking a hit because folks don’t want to support a company tied to Musk’s views. It’s like choosing between loving a car and not liking the guy who makes it.
Troy’s Big Move: A Tesla Fan’s Story
Now, let’s zoom in on Troy Batastini’s post from March 1, 2025. He is standing there outside of a Tesla Service Center with his new Model Y and is not shy about why he bought it: he loves what Elon Musk is doing. For him, Musk’s vision - whether it’s electric cars, SpaceX rockets, or even his political moves - feels like a win for America. So, he went to the nearby Tesla dealership, purchased a Model Y, and drove off in style to show his support.
That’s a big deal! Not everyone’s willing to shell out tens of thousands for a car just because they like the CEO’s vibe. But Troy’s post sparked a firestorm of reactions on X, and it’s super interesting to see how folks responded. Some folks cheered him on, while others scratched their heads or even criticized Musk. It’s like a family dinner where everyone’s got a different opinion: loud and messy.
The Cheers for Troy: Insightful Comments of Support
Troy’s post got a bunch of replies, and some of the supportive comments really stand out. They show why people like him are all in on Tesla and Musk. Here are a few that caught my eye:
- Ale𝕏andra Merz (@TeslaBoomerMama) said, "Thank you so much, Troy." That’s pure love right there! As a big Tesla fan herself, she’s showing how Troy’s decision resonates with the Tesla community, even with all the noise around Musk’s politics.
- Craig (@TheSe2ondOne) wrote, “Welcome Troy! Just charged there last night and also where I picked up my Cybertruck! We’d love to have you join us other like-minded (@TeslaOwnersWA) for events and fun!” This is awesome—it’s not just about the car for Craig; it’s about being part of a community. He’s inviting Troy into a group of Tesla owners in Washington, showing how these cars build friendships and shared excitement, even if Musk’s politics stir debate.
- TT (@TeslaTrillion) chimed in with, “You are an American hero! Well done.” Talk about a high-five! This comment shows how some see buying a Tesla as a patriotic act, tying Musk’s vision to making America better, even if others disagree.
These comments aren’t just “nice job,” they’re windows into why folks like Troy feel so passionate about Tesla. They see Musk’s work, from cutting-edge cars to his political bets, as a step toward a brighter future, even if it’s messy.
But some people are steering clear of Tesla because of Musk’s politics. They’re upset about Musk’s role in Trump’s administration, and the work he is doing in the Department of Government Efficiency. Some protests have popped up where people refuse to buy Teslas. You know, in my opinion it’s like choosing not to eat at a restaurant because you don’t like the owner’s opinions - tough but real.
This split makes Troy’s decision even bolder. He’s swimming against a current of criticism, but he’s not alone. The supportive comments on his post show there’s a big chunk of people who still see Musk as a genius, not a villain, and Tesla as a symbol of progress.
Helpful Tips for Tesla Shoppers
If you’re thinking about jumping into a Tesla like Troy here are some useful tips to keep in mind:
- Test Drive Tesla: Teslas are awesome machines, with amazing tech like Autopilot and super-fast acceleration. But they’re pricey - starting around $40,000 for a Model 3 and going way up. Take one for a spin at a Tesla showroom to see if it fits your life.
- Check the Charging Network: Tesla’s Supercharger stations are all over the place, but make sure there’s one near you. Charging at home is easy with a wall connector, but long road trips need planning.
- Weigh the Politics: If Musk’s political moves bug you, it’s okay to feel that way. Some folks skip Tesla because of it, and that’s their choice. But if you love the cars and Musk’s vision, like Troy, go for it.
- Join the Community: As Craig’s comment shows, Tesla owners have clubs and forums (like Tesla Owners Club mentioned in the web results). You’ll meet cool people, get tips, and feel part of something big, no matter what you think of Musk.
- Look at the Numbers: Tesla’s sales dipped in 2024, with deliveries dropping to 1.79 million from 1.81 million the year before, per Forbes. That’s partly because of Musk’s polarizing image. But Tesla’s still innovating with AI and self-driving tech, so it’s worth researching if the car’s right for you.
So, what do we make of Troy Batastini’s Tesla love and the big split over Elon Musk? It’s a wild mix of passion, politics, and practicality. Some, like Troy, see Musk’s moves as a game-changer for America, driving them to buy a Tesla and join the fan club. Others protest the cars, feeling Musk’s views clash with their values.
Now, I wanna hear from you, folks! Have you recently bought a Tesla like Troy, or are you thinking about it? Drop your story in the comments below. Let’s chat about your experience and what you think about Tesla vehicles these days.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.
Image by Troy Batastini from his post on X, referenced above.
Comments
As one of the first owners…
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As one of the first owners of a Tesla (my VIN was number 20189) in 2013, I am grateful that Musk managed to make EVs cool and sexy. But he clearly has been doing too much acid the last few years. The author of this column is deranged if he thinks Musk is making America better. He’s using the same cut and slash management style he did at Twitter. Firing people then having to bring at least half back immediately because they were indispensable. Of course no organization can work well with that kind of chaos going on. Which is why the value of X started at $44 billion and is now worth $5 billion. Just think how well the US government will work after a few years of that.
As for traditional values, maybe the author lives in a ghetto because Musk has 14 children from 4 different women which would make any pimp proud.
The author doesn't live in…
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In reply to As one of the first owners… by Michael Allen (not verified)
The author doesn't live in the ghetto and see the issue of having children from different women. But at least he champions having kids around. The author support only having a traditional family with one husband and one wife having their own children and raising them together until death separates them apart.
I’d Had always had one qQ…
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In reply to The author doesn't live in… by Armen Hareyan
I’d Had always had one qQ and binge on the same thing every time it came. Great stuff? Thanks
Torque News, I just bought…
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Torque News, I just bought my second model Y performance!!! Can't wait to pick it up!
I own 2. A 2023 model Y and…
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I own 2. A 2023 model Y and a 2024 Cybertruck. So I added about 200 shares of TSLA to show my support.
I love my Model Y. I had a…
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I love my Model Y. I had a 2020 Model 3 Sleeper and it was crazy fast.