Elon Musk, the company’s chief executive, is fast losing out to Chinese electric carmakers in Tesla’s second-most-important market.

As the world’s richest person, Elon Musk isn’t short of opportunity. From TikTok to Nissan, his name comes up time and again during potential deals across Asia, no matter how outlandish.

President Donald Trump posed for photos next to a line of Tesla vehicles in front of the White House Tuesday after saying earlier on social media he would buy one as a "show of confidence and support for Elon Musk.

When President Trump hosted Elon Musk and his electric vehicles this week, it recalled a visit years earlier to the Communist Party’s leadership compound.

Tesla vehicles, dealerships and charging stations have been hit with vandalisms, fires and protests since Elon Musk began his role at the White House.

Critics said the spectacle stretched the bounds of what is ethical in the White House, with Trump openly seeking to boost the financial fortunes of Elon Musk.